Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Farm Items for Sale

I have farm-related equipment for sale now.  Feeders, fencing, round-pen panels, fence posts, cattle panels, huts, etc.  All must be dispersed.
There are two feeders like this, each 4 feet long and one 8 foot long.  The roof is hinged on one side lifts up.  1/2-1 bale of hay will fit into this feeder.  Below the hay part is a feed trough that catches any hay bits that fall from the bitefulls pulled from the feeder.  I fed grain in the trough portion of the feeders.
I also have 4 large containers that have been flushed and washed with soap and water that make wonderful huts for goats and pigs, dogs and other small animals.  One of these containers has already been cut on the side as my Angora billy goat loved his hut.  These "container" huts do require a cover.  I used a tarp to keep the light in the summer from over heating the hut.  Others use sheets of tin attached to the metal on the sides.  The advantage of tin is that an overhang can be created that also blocks much of the wind-blown rain that sometimes gets into huts.  Bubba loved his hut.
I also have 8, 330 foot rolls of sheep and goat fence for sale for $225 a roll.  I have enough round pen panels to make a 60 foot diameter round pen.  Total for the panels is $500.  These were purchased from Rural King and are green.  Round pens are usually used to train horses in and make great pens for stallions.

As soon as I get the blades sharpened, I will have a Lister Laser clippers for sale (I'm not sure why they call them 'laser' as there isn't any) and a set of Premier 4000 shears for sale.  All my stuff must go.  I have to count the quantity of blades that go with each shearing device before I know how much I'm asking.  But the first to ask gets put on the list.  I also have a jug of clipper oil from Premier.  Feed pans, a feed trough (from Premier) and much more.  Just ask me if you want something and don't see it.  



Saturday, September 2, 2017

End of an Era

The barn now sits silent and devoid of all activity since the animals have all been rehomed.  I walk to the barn and the silence is overwhelming.  I can hear the sheep and goats in my mind calling to me and wanting me to speak to them, touch them, acknowledge their existence.

I have thrown myself into my school work.  Twelve credit hours is a full-time load and then working 16-20 hours each week pretty much consumes me.  It occupies my mind and keeps me from crying for the loss of my beloved creatures.  I knew they needed rehoming because returning to school would take all my time.  They are better off in their new homes.  I hope they get spoken to and treated as they are members of the family.  They were here.

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Spring, Lambs, and What Have You

Here it is, another Spring.  In the 15 years that I've had sheep, I've never had them lamb this late.  My first lambs arrived on March 31st.  A nice set of twin BFL lambs.  One a little ewe and one a nice sized ram lamb.

Then, yesterday, April 3, I had another BFL ewe lamb born.  All lambs are white, except the little ewe lamb from Friday who has a black spot on her front right knee.  The twins are bouncing merrily around as if they own the barn.  By the end of the month, I will have lambs bouncing and chasing all over the place.  I love Spring!


When I came out of the house yesterday, I turned left from the steps off the porch instead of right to be blinded by the large splash of yellow springing forth from under the edge of my wooden porch.  Against the dark green grass of spring, the dandelions screamed, "Pick me!"  But I didn't.  Soon they will become puff balls to blown about by the wind.


For those of you reading this that do not have sheep, goats, or alpacas, the unique thing about finding dandelions is that they are almost eradicated on my farm because they are a favorite with the animals.  They zone in on them and eat them first.  It must be a delicacy to them.  I noticed a couple of places in the yard that are springing up with dandelions not yet blooming.  I'm so glad that I didn't put the sheep and goats in the yard last summer to do my mowing.  The touch of color is beautiful!

Also, one last note on this post.  I have signed up for a booth and a pen on the grass at Hoosier Hills Fiber Festival in Franklin, Indiana at the Johnson County Fairgrounds on June 2nd and 3rd.  Just in case you need to investigate further...http://www.hoosierhillsfiberfestival.com/   They always have unique classes and I so wish I could leave my booth to take one!




Sunday, January 8, 2017

Autoknitter with original wooden box for sale

Okay I have an autoknitter for sale. It has 3 cylinders and their corresponding ribber plates and the ribber attachment. It has 2 sets of weights and the original yarn winder as well as a packet of needles. I want $1100 for this circular sock machine.  Shipping will run about $75. I have had this machine in the box for 5 years and not gotten around to using it. I am destashing so I can build a garage so that I don't have to scrape my windshield of a morning.

If there is something else you want ask. I have more to list eventually.  I am building my garage before the the next winter hits.  Please contact me at windsongfibersfarm@gmail.com for pictures.

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Brrr! Baby It's Cold Outside!

Happy New Year! The inevitable has happened! Not only have we entered a new year, but winter has returned with the promise of snow tomorrow.  I have mixed emotions about the snow coming.  I am supposed to go a good distance away Friday and pick up a wagon load of hay.  The journey is over winding, narrow backroads that are difficult enough with good roads.  Bad roads present an entirely different challenge!

If you know of anyone interested in having an Angora goat or 2, I have 4 does and a little billy that are for sale for $100 each.  I will be selling everyone off this year from the time lambs hit the ground until all are gone.  I love my babies, but there comes a point in everyone's life that what we do must change.  I have reached that point.  I would like to be able to go see my daughter without begging people to come care for my animals.  Seeing her once every 18 months isn't to my liking.  I am glad that she is so happy living 2000 miles away.  However, it isn't easy getting away at a good time when there is livestock involved.

I also have alpacas.  I have 6 months old up to 13 years old.  13 to be exact.  I love standing and petting them and letting them sniff my face and clothes.  I will miss them very much, but being alone and dealing with 50 pound feed sacks and 70 pound bales of hay is no longer feasible for me. Please pass the word along.

My bluefaced leicester sheep and a few oddballs like Agnes - who is half Clun Forest and half Border Leicester, and Brownie - a Cormo X, also will need to be sold. I am trying to make my life more manageable, less chaotic, and easier to take a trip.  Please spread the word far and wide.  I really appreciate everyone's help in this matter.

kate