Mistakes Sheep and Goat Owners Make

[@HoneyHollowHomestead]

I know someone who bought a bottle baby buck. He was a handful! He was a nice looking buck, but I didn't want him. I did tell the guy that I wanted one of his offspring, though. He was a good buck, gave a good male/female ratio in kids. I just sold him. There were times I needed to handle him. He got accustomed to me roping his horns and tying him up. Did that for hoof trimming, checking eyes, and treating a medical issue. I have seen certain YT'rs throwing feed on the ground for their goats and I find myself yelling at my monitor! I learned the hard way about having medications on hand. I try to keep well stocked now. It's going to be tough come July when we won't be able to get antibiotics over the counter anymore. Had a good relationship with my vet. But he was just out and gave me some bad news. He's going to work for the government! Good for him, bad for us! He's trying to recruit a couple young vets to replace him, but even if they bite will they be as good as he was with goats? That's my concern!

[@LinessaFarms]

Becoming a good vet takes time. I suppose if you get a new vet that wants to do good, they eventually will. Sounds like you do your best to help people out. We appreciate that. We try to do the same. Most of our customers come back and I suppose that says something. Thank you for watching our videos and thank you for taking the time to leave us a kind message. We hope to hear from you in the future.

[@asktodd2000]

I sure wish I had discovered Linessa Farms channel 2-years ago. The best practical information on sheep and goats I’ve found!

[@tracysimcheck1446]

I liked your comment on 20% protein. Never here that before cattle can have up to 24%. Would like a video talking more about this.

[@LinessaFarms]

This is a great question. There is a lot of evidence coming to light recently regarding the use of protein and it’s effects on fertility and growth. It seems too much protein can cause some pretty serious problems. We knew excess protein caused build-up of wastes in the body but it seems it can vary in different species. Even too high amounts of protein on pasture can lead to scouring and body condition loss. This is a great idea for a video and we appreciate you taking the time to leave us a message. Best wishes to you and your family this holiday season. I have attached a nice article for you to check out as well! extension.psu.edu/protein-in-pastures-can-it-be-too-high

[@brittcorley]

Thanks! I thought I'd find all kinds of mistakes I'm making, but I think I'm doing pretty good according to this list. And on #15, also be aware of where your males are if you bend to pick something up off the ground because they WILL take it as a challenge to head butt you. Found that out the hard way....a couple times actually. 😅😵‍💫

[@LinessaFarms]

Ha! Thanks, Britt. I saw a kid get knocked clean out of his flip-flops once. It’s amazing how hard those rams and bucks can hit, even with only a few steps!

[@growinggenerationshomestea516]

You helped me lamb last year, we had ewe with a prolapse. Our vet said to breed her again. She birthed twins easy with the harness and we were blessed, she would nurse all the babies. We were blessed to have a healthy mom and babies when all was said and done, we won't test our luck. We got lucky....she is happy being a mower

[@LinessaFarms]

That’s great you were able to keep her and are happy with having her do chores around the farm. 😬 We appreciate your continued support. Best wishes for you and your family this holiday season.

[@aprilblack8916]

Great tips! I would also add something about storing food and hay securely. You don't want sheep getting into dog food or chicken food, and you also don't want chickens perching over hay bales and pooping into them. Store food somewhere clean, dry, and secure.

[@LinessaFarms]

Hello, April. Very good points. 👍🏻

[@autoflowerfarmer3326]

# 31 Do not give Copper Sulfate when they have a large load of worms \ parasites. Could cause internal bleeding. (learned this from you Tim)

[@LinessaFarms]

Good call on that one. Copper sulfate 1% oral solution is way too strong for any animal with a heavy worm load. We even tend to tell people to stay away from prohibit or giving pour on cydectin as an oral drench. Dumping a heavy worm load very fast tends to make animals very sick. Thanks for taking the time to remind us of this great point! Hope you are doing well and we send our best to you and your family this holiday season.

[@44warlord41]

Don't miss Wednesday live stream with Linessa Farms and loose an opportunity to ask questions.

[@LinessaFarms]

Thank you, sir. We appreciate your support and spreading the word! People like you make our channel a success. 🫡

[@marthabowser501]

great video...I would add " Never Tease any animal..grabbing horns and or pushing on their head..."

[@LinessaFarms]

Yes. I would consider that physical abuse. Horns should only be held if required to protect yourself from injury. Teasing is a huge no-no. We’ve seen many people pay the price for harassing these animals. Adults need to keep an eye on children as well and insure they understand what is acceptable and appropriate animal husbandry practices. Thank you for your comment and we appreciate your continued support of our channel.

[@jeffmally4690]

Helpful as always

[@LinessaFarms]

Thanks, Jeff. I hope you have a great holiday season!

[@rossholmes178]

Tim, greetings from Australia. No upset here mate...totally sound advice!

[@LinessaFarms]

Hello, Ross. Nice to hear from you again. Hope you are doing well! Best wishes to your family this holiday season. 😬🎅🏻

[@bigcountry4900]

Do y'all ever think you'll put on a Clinic? I'd sign up!

[@LinessaFarms]

Mr Big, I’m burning the candle at both ends now! Ha. We sure need to have at least one get together a year. We used to have one large open house and with the pandemic and now inflation, we haven’t done it in a few years. God willing, we will be back at it soon. We appreciate your support of our channel very much. We will keep you posted.

[@bigcountry4900]

@@LinessaFarms thank you for all that you do!

[@pestpro6606]

Thank you

[@LinessaFarms]

Thank you for watching!

[@asktodd2000]

Great advice 👍

[@bjmanimalsbreedingfarm4489]

Thanks my mentor

[@LinessaFarms]

Thank you, my friend.

[@arvivirash5561]

Thank you for the video's Tim 💛 Blessings from Suriname

[@LinessaFarms]

Thank you, my friend. We appreciate your continued support. Our very best to you and your family.

[@arvivirash5561]

@@LinessaFarms could you maybe do a video/short on mange mites in sheep?

[@LinessaFarms]

@@arvivirash5561 sure. Long story short, it’s going to be a combination of pour on insecticide such as permethrin or Cylence along with an injection of ivermectin or Dectomax. We find it works best when we combine an injectable and topical.

[@clara0822]

Thank you for sharing the useful information! God bless

[@LinessaFarms]

Thank you! Have a great holiday season. 😬

[@paoemantega8793]

Smashing video Tim, keep up the great work.

[@LinessaFarms]

Thank you very much! We appreciate your continued support. 😬

[@apesbysmith4000]

I am so happy to have learned this from you & not the hard way!! I will definitely keep a better watch on my boys

[@LinessaFarms]

Thank you very much for watching our video and for taking the time to leave us a kind comment. We appreciate it. 😬

[@debrahpawlyshyn8414]

I am not sure if I would be eligible for a gift certificate cause I reside in Canada. However I wish to give my most important Don't s. Milk fever and twin disease present as the same but treatment is vastly different. I have found that if I cover the eyes then add light to the eye of effected ewe, the rapidness of the eye adjusting to the light waves determines how I treat. I have Romney's and they are super at twinning but also good at depleting their energy and or calcium. Energy is treated different than calcium issues. When I was first trained on this I did have to look at different late stage pregnancy ewes before I could figure out how quickly a ewes eye adjusts but now I know immediately..Normally if a vet is ever called in they treat for both issues as a safe precaution. Sometimes though vets cannot be there and you must treat how you see fit. I cannot afford to treat for both if it is just one issue. Calcium and magnesium injections are still expensive and not necessary if I am dealing with a ketosis issue. I need my funds to be directed on the issue at hand. Cause I have lots of ewes each year carrying twins and triplets. I have to be precise with my treatments if I want success. I have noticed that few vets are aware of how one can differentiate between the 2 diseases. They just treat as it could be both and frankly no harm in that as they have the meds always on hand. However I don't and have to be precise with the meds I do have. Just my 2 cents worth on this. Hope it comes across as teaching and not preaching. Deb

[@LinessaFarms]

Deb, I will reach out to you for more information on this. I want to make sure I’m understanding you correct in regard to pupil dilation. Dilation in people medicine is something we can use to make judgments about neurological health. If you can send me an email at [e-mail], I would like to talk to you more about this.

[@theBakersonafewacres]

People love asking for bottle babies. It's crazy. Merry Christmas to you and yours at Linessa Farms.

[@LinessaFarms]

What’s your thoughts on that? Do you think it’s because they assume it will be cheaper, or something else?

[@theBakersonafewacres]

@@LinessaFarms I think it's probably either that. They think they're getting a "deal", or they think it's cute and want to raise a "baby"

[@christinerogers4923]

Atrongly agree with all these tips. I wish hay suppliers would understand the hay tip and stop trying to sell me bad hay.

[@LinessaFarms]

I think they know moldy hay is bad and they figure they have to sell it… unfortunately, some people have no problem ripping people off. It’s sad. We really appreciate you watching our videos and thank you for taking the time to leave us a kind message. Best wishes to you and your family this holiday season!

[@Magpie54688]

Excellent!!! I agree 💯. Thank you

[@LinessaFarms]

Thank you, AJ. 👍🏻

[@marybrubacker3056]

Thank you! This video has lots of great advice!

[@LinessaFarms]

Hello, Mary. You are very welcome. Best wishes to you and your family this holiday season. 😬

[@tjjurake3506]

Hey! I just noticed that you fenced off your pool of water in the paddock. I know why you did it and it's great! Drives me crazy when animals drink from questionable sources of water when there are fresh water buckets out for them.

[@LinessaFarms]

Howdy, TJ. You got it! Makes me crazy too. They would rather drink from a mud puddle than get clean fresh water. 🥴

[@LinessaFarms]

Best wishes to you and your family this holiday season. We appreciate your continued support.

[@tjjurake3506]

@@LinessaFarms Thank you. Wishing you and yours all the best especially the best of health (including the growing numbers of sheep and goat fans out there!) so that we may continue our small ruminant adventures together with the help of Tim's channel!

[@530eman]

Great format and great video, thanks A video on the top 10 meds to (consider) keeping around would be nifty, thx 🐑

[@LinessaFarms]

Good idea. Thank you.

[@PRDreams]

Don't let yourself be bullied into buying a cheap goat. My parents wanted to gift me a goat (I love that they cared enough to encourage me) they got a goat from a friend's friend who was a rescue and had many issues. She was cheap. It was a "now or never offer" She had signs of abuse and was bloated. The saddest thing. We nursed her back to health. Took to breeding quick and birthed quickly. Her udder was hard, she rejected the babies and ultimately killed them. She will be culled soon, but we aren't even sure if we can consume her meat or at least feed it to the dog. A waste of time and money. Do not feel rushed. You rather wait for a better goat.

[@LinessaFarms]

This is great advise. We appreciate you sharing this word of caution. Many people feel pressured, especially in the cases of poorly treated animals. Thanks for your continued support!

[@aprilblack8916]

Great advice for any animal purchase. My sister felt pressured to buy a puppy from a pet store that gets them from a puppy mill. She felt like she was 'rescuing' the puppy and could give it a good home... which she did, but the puppy had so many medical problems, and of course, the pet store makes a profit from it, so it will only keep selling sickly pups. Very sad all around.

[@seller559]

“Making a bottle baby” so true, totally last resort.

[@LinessaFarms]

We unfortunately see this a lot. 🫤 Hope you are doing well and thank you for your continued support of our channel.

[@karenzepeta6473]

Thanks Tim another great video, I always learn a lot from you as I'm sure other people do too. I hope you have a great holiday

[@LinessaFarms]

Hi, Karen! It’s nice to hear from you. Thank you very much for the kind message. We appreciate your continued support. Our very best to you and your family this holiday season!

[@behindthetimes4288]

Hello. Really appreciated the list! I was wondering if you would do a video on some basic over the counter meds to keep on hand and what they are good for and the best way to administer them. Thanks for all the good education!

[@LinessaFarms]

Hello. I will see what we can do for you. 😬

[@bigcountry4900]

What if your getting a Pack Goat, bottle feeding would still be a bad idea?

[@LinessaFarms]

I have to tell you, I have a soft spot in my heart for bottle babies. We end up with a few every year and I actually enjoy feeding them and watching them grow. Plus, it makes me feel good to know I helped an animal out and prevented it from dying. Bottle babies happen. They are, unfortunately, more difficult to raise in many cases. Many of them have underlying health conditions, come from poor stock which should be culled, and become bad parents on their own or have bad behavior issues. There are always exceptions. If you’re looking for a good quality animal to add to your flock or herd and you are looking for something to purchase, your money is best spent with a good animal from a good reputable farm that has been raised by its mom and weaned properly. Thanks for the great question

[@jeremiehoug2837]

Point #31 don't put round balers in a round bale feeders that are off the ground without 4x4 or smaller panels inserted into the round bale feeders. Because if the round bale falls because they are around it and it will land on them while they are eating and could kill one or more animals.

[@LinessaFarms]

That’s a great tip! Thanks for watching the video and thanks for taking the time to leave a message. Round bales can definitely crush animals when they settle. Best wishes to you and your family this holiday season.

[@LinessaFarms]

Jeremie, send us an email at [e-mail] so we can send you your $100 gift certificate. Thank you for your great point.

[@hamzaahadaf4399]

How we can use permaculture for goats

[@willbass2869]

#2, #6, #13, #23 Lather, rinse, repeat.

[@LinessaFarms]

Lol. Definitely a few of my favorite. I came up with the 30 and had my computer put them in random order.

[@kabutey8132]

How do u know if your feed is over 20% protein

[@LinessaFarms]

You would need to look at the label on the feed or determine what it is you are feeding and calculate the protein yourself.

[@kabutey8132]

@@LinessaFarms ohk thanks

[@growinggenerationshomestea516]

Deworm routinely don't just go by f scale.

[@LinessaFarms]

Oh yeah. For sure. Waiting until you’ve got white eyelids is a mistake. Hope you are all doing well and thank you for your continued support!

[@growinggenerationshomestea516]

@@LinessaFarms we are doing good, happy holidays Tim to you and yours. The calfs are adorable

[@mossyhillfarm7344]

I can see why a bottle baby would not be desired for meat goat producers but it seems to be a very common practice in dairy goats. I don't have an opinion either way ....just an observation.

[@LinessaFarms]

It’s very common in dairy operations, especially in males. I won’t put anyone here but I can tell you many large operations will pull all males from their moms after colostrum and the ones they cannot sell are euthanized. The dairy farms are more interested in the milk than the animal. Unfortunately, bottle babies tend to be more stressed, for obvious reasons, they have significantly more health problems, behavior problems, and tend to grow at slower rates. Unfortunately a lot of people just getting started are drawn to these babies because they can often be acquired more easily and cheaply. Bottle babies can be raised moderately successfully for market but it is complicated and they require the farmer to follow strict protocol if they want to be reliably successful. Honestly, it’s easier to raise a normal healthy lamb or kid. One of these days we will make a video on raising bottle babies. Bottle babies do happen on farms. It is unavoidable. We just don’t want to see people seek them out. Overall, in our opinion, it’s not worth it.

[@mackenzeeeeznekcam8029]

Don't let your livestock run out of water! Dirty water and unclean buckets are just as bad

[@LinessaFarms]

For sure. We’ve seen some nasty water out there! 🤢

[@timlawson817]

9 Yrs of raising bottle baby Nubians for milk Is the only way for me . They are 90 % easier to handle. Mom raised are impossible for me to handle. We must do what's best for us and the animals.

[@LinessaFarms]

There are situations where people need to do this for their business. Case in point, dairy’s. Unfortunately there are sheep mills and goat mills (similar to puppy mills) who take babies from moms for no other reason than someone wants to raise a bottle baby and keep it as a pet. I would argue this is not in the best interest of the mother or the baby.

[@cheryllambros3626]

Find a mentor and don’t give up🐐😊

[@LinessaFarms]

Isn’t that the truth! Working with others is way better than figuring it out on your own. We sure do appreciate your continued support. You’ve been with us for a long time! Best wishes to you and yours this holiday season!

[@kindigkindig4800]

Don’t by a baby you can’t or haven’t seen the parents.

[@LinessaFarms]

That’s great advise for sure. You can learn a lot from spending some time looking at the stock your baby is coming from and talking with the producer. Thank you for your continued support of our channel and we look forward to seeing you Wednesday!

[@kindigkindig4800]

@@LinessaFarms It is great advise I learned it from you!😂

[@FillipiFamilyFarm]

This is a silly one but don't leave your fried Chicken unattended near a fence line, the breading smells so good your goat might just eat it.

[@LinessaFarms]

😂