Customer Reviews

Natural Sheep Care

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This was a very informative book that I loved reading. The sources to start the lick are not viable though and I have had lots of difficulty finding the items discribed to start the lick.

This book is filled with fascinating information about the benefits of an efficient mineral program for sheep. Improving soil condition and mineral content in pastures is the main focus of the book, with mineral supplement advice in lieu of good pasture. There is some information about direct treatment (through mineral supplementation) for specific ailments, but the book emphasizes preventative care. The only drawback to the information is that most of the supplements for animals or land aren't readily available in the United States, as they apparently are in Australia where the book was written.

PAT COLEBY has a lot of good information in her book although many of her suggestions are simply not economical. For example, in east Tennessee, there are no sources for Barley except in California and the cost is prohibitively expensive. The Stock Lick you can't find Yellow Sulfur in Bulk, and Seawead meal is also $100 per 50lb bag shipped. She also recommends Cod Liver oil and that too at 10mL per sheep would end up costing you over $100 for a small herd, along with apple cider vinegar which is costly raw. Do yourself a favor and order it already mixed through Countryside Naturals minus the cod liver. If anyone else has sources locally for these items that would be great.

Although this is written from the point of view of wool sheep owner -my flock are hair / meat sheep - the author suggests using natural products as alternatives to chemical medical treatments & for augmenting deficiencies in diet.

Applying her treatment for mastitis in her good half to a ewe that had quadruplets & no milk, it is apparently working. Instead of the expense of bottle-feeding which is costly & reduces profit margin on the sale of the lambs, they are now nursing on their mom as her udder improves.

Her evaluation of health problems & of possible deficiencies in pasture feeds are helpful. She provides natural solutions to augmenting rations that are inexpensive & that work for maintaining a healthy flock.

In spite of information I've heard for years about sheep and copper toxicity, my flock does just fine on salt or mineral blocks that contain copper. It is supposed to enhance wool production in wool breeds, but since my gals have hair, the benefits of copper here relate to natural de-worming.

For shepherds and shepherdess who want to produce organic meat sheep, this book is a valuable resource.

Pat Coleby's book opened my eyes to the whole picture of farming in harmony with nature. All pieces of the puzzle need to be in balance, from the health of the soil in the pasture, to the health of the ewes and the lambs they produce.

She teaches us that a lack of available vitamins or minerals in the grass reflects in the vigor and productivity of your animals. Deficiency diseases are discussed and mineral suppliments are prescribed to bring the flock back into good health.

I found this book so helpful, that I ordered her other book about "Natural Horse Care".

Pat KNOWS her stuff...I had a friend that has a ewe that was prolapsing...she did not understand...not in her genes...her dam was still going!! I looked it up in this book for her...and it was a calcium deficiency!! She said...wow! my organic neighbor said this area is low in calcium!!!!!! Also have her natural goat book...also VERY good...a wonderful reference and the best way to go if one is a NEWBIE!!!!

I have several of Ms Colby's books. Her sheep care and goat care are excellent and my flock of sheep and herd of goats are happy and healthy because of her suggestions.

Tis is the ultimate book for out of the box thinkers. The pill or shot for every ill is just as pervasive in the animal industry as in human medicine. This book will get you thinking about the cause of problems and working on treatment from the ground up. I did not give this a 5 star rating for it is not 100% detailed in a step by step fashion. The amendments will get you in the ballpark but pay attention to your sheep and you may have to modify the recommendations as I did. Great over all book and would love to have lunch with this lady one day.

Very good information for the person who knows nothing. A good starting book. Valuable information to set things in order.

Pat Coleby writes in a very user friendly way. Her advice is given with great experience and research to back it up. The recipe for a mineral lick to maintain livestock health is priceless. Highly recommend this book!