s e v e n i s a j o u r n e y

So, these last two weeks have been a time of invading sheep. They were coming through a weak-point in the fence with Richard and Angela. I went in and repaired the fence (a few rusted staples had popped, lostening the wires), but sheep being sheep they kept coming. Once they “learn” they can get thorugh a fence at a certain point, they will keep coming- even if the fence gets repaired. They will just push and push until they squirt between the wires like some big, wooly sausage.

So for the last few weeks I have been chasing sheep back through the fence, as progressively bigger and bigger mobs appeared in the Triangle paddock.

Then the sheep leanred that none of our internal fences were sheep-proof, and started wandering the property at will. This is extra annoing, especially when 5 sheep suddenly appear in the back garden, right off the living room, at 9 PM! We corraled those 5 sheep into the dog-run, and left a message for R&A to pick them up.

Cut to last night. A big rain system had passed through in the late afternoon, accompanied by a cold southerly wind. I was heeading out into the side yard at sunset, as the rain had passed, and I needed to get something from my Ute. I glanced over into the Glen paddock to check on the ‘paca. We move them there if the weather goods bad so they can take shelter in the new shed (which they do, smart ‘paca!). I noticed that another 7 sheep had appeared, and were in the paddoack with the ‘paca… and the ‘paca were chasing them around the paddock with wild abandon!

Oh, but to have a video camera! Hyouki was the most enthusiastic chaser, pronking around the paddock after the fleeing sheep. It was Hi-larious. I had to run inside to get Tam to witness the spectacle. Now all we need is a bit of training (“Get in behind! Get out of it!”) and we can start herding sheep with our ‘paca! :)