This will probably be one of the most difficult posts I ever write.
Due to deteriorating health, I have chosen to list all of our livestock for sale — sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, rabbits, everything. Even our three Muscovy ducks.
Even if this current bout turns out well, I feel that what I’m facing will most likely be recurring, possibly at a rate where things could quickly spiral out of control. More than anything, I want to know that our animals are well cared for, and right now I don’t feel that I’m in a position to give them the care they deserve — perhaps for a month, maybe longer.
So I’ve made the very difficult decision to let the livestock go.
For some, that may seem like a small thing. For me, having spent the past six years developing our animals and the way we raise them, this is not a light decision at all. It’s very heartfelt.
We’ve worked hard to raise our animals naturally. We’ve avoided chemicals and antibiotics and developed a rotational system designed to keep the animals healthy and reduce parasite problems naturally.
Our rabbits are moved daily in individual pasture cages, so they’re continually getting fresh ground. Our sheep are moved every four days, our goats and our pigs every week or two.
We move the animals before parasite cycles become a problem and, in most cases, don’t return them to the same pasture for around 90 days. The Pigs are only on the same ground once a year. By the time they return, parasites that were left behind have largely disappeared because they haven’t had a host.
Over the years, we’ve developed flocks and herds that are rather unique in that way.
Our sheep, goats and pigs are electric-fence trained. Our chickens roam freely during the day and return to their coops at night. These aren’t simply animals we’ve purchased and kept. We’ve spent years working with them and developing routines that they understand.
Some people might say, “Well, you can sell them now and buy more someday.”
But let me tell you a little story.
The other day I moved the sheep about half a kilometre. There’s actually a video of the journey.
Before we started, I told people, “Oh, they’ll follow me. They’ll follow me.”
Well, I was wrong.
The three oldest sheep have made that journey several times over the past couple of years. They knew exactly where they were going.
So when it came time to move our six ewes and their nine lambs, those older sheep took the lead.
They didn’t follow me.
I followed them.
They remembered the way, and they led the flock to their new pasture.
You can’t just buy that.
So no, this isn’t a matter of simply selling the animals and going out someday and buying some more!
I hope you understand just how difficult this decision has been.
If there is something you’re interested in, please call 902-907-0770.
Thank you.
Brian
Briden Farm
PS: For more info visit my Kijiji Ad, and then my other ads to find what You’re looking for … Look on Kijiji
