Moving the Flock
The flock is awaiting their daily move.
From the time our sheep flock was just 2-3 ewes, we've been diligent about daily moves and appropriately sized paddocks. We do this for a few reasons. First and foremost, it's a flock health issue. We don't want to be in a place where we're worming sheep and doctoring them on a regular basis. Daily moves are the answer to this. Sheep tend to post up and sleep in the same place if given the opportunity. I will go out at sunset and will see a giant pile of sheep on the highest point they can find, even if this is only a few feet higher than the rest of the paddock. Moving them each day keeps them from laying down in their own manure. Second, I find that my pasture conditions improve if I keep the sheep in tight, daily paddocks. It creates competition and they aren't picking and choosing what to eat.
Note the dark line in the grass.
This is the line between yesterday’s eaten field and today’s un-eaten field.
Moving them daily prevents over-grazing — the the progression from each day.
I've tried moving sheep at different times of the day, and have settled on evening moves. When I moved sheep in the morning, I found that they ate for a little while in the morning, and then found some shade during the heat of the day. The result was that there wasn't an even and complete graze of the paddock and the 'competition' benefit wasn't as pronounced for body condition nor pasture condition. The same goes for mid-day moves, but even more pronounced. Further, animals tend to resist moving during the heat of the day, and if there's any length of drive up a lane, it can quickly go sideways. Evening produces the best results for animal and pasture alike: it is cooling off and they have a clean place to move to. They are ready to eat, and happy to bed down in a clean pasture.
The flock devours the new paddock of grass, clover, and alfalfa.
Moves are relatively straightforward. I diligently call them for every move so that they now associate that call "Here, sheep" with "Time to eat". We keep our remaining cattle and sheep flock in-paddock with one wire about 12 inches off the ground. I roll up about 15 feet of the cross fence and call them. They all run through and put their heads down and start eating. I particularly enjoy that moment where there is almost silence except for the rip and tear from cattle and the unique sheep-chewing noises. I put the cross fence back up (as a backfence) and fill their stock tanks and check minerals. I find it an excellent time to do the important and necessary task of eyeballing each animal for health concerns. For instance, our oldest ewe had triplets this year, and she just cannot seem to find a way to put condition back on. I make a note that it may be time to consider culling her out and head back to the house.
All of this sounds complicated, and I suppose it is to a relative newcomer. In terms of time, daily move and watering chores amount to about 30 minutes total. The constant and daily interaction with the animals ensures that there's little fussing and cursing and shaking of fists. The sheep know the drill and I am consistent. Symbiosis between farmer and livestock.
Moving the flock.
