Sheep (ewes) and goats (does) experience postpartum contractions, which are a critical part of the third stage of labor. These contractions serve to expel the placenta (afterbirth) and begin the process of uterine involution—the shrinking of the uterus back to its non-pregnant size.

Here are key details about postpartum contractions in sheep and goats:

Purpose: Postpartum contractions help expel the fetal membranes (placenta) and reduce the size of the uterus.

Timing: The placenta is typically delivered within 1 to 3 hours after the lamb or kid is born. If the placenta is not passed within 4 to 6 hours in goats, it is considered a retained placenta.

Intensity: While not usually as intense as the contractions during active labor (Stage 2), these contractions can still cause visible straining.

Involution: The uterus shrinks rapidly, with the process of returning to its normal size being largely completed by about 28 to 30 days after birth.

Postpartum Mating: In studies of ewes, uterine contractions continue in the weeks following birth, although their direction changes as the uterus heals, which can affect fertility if they are bred too soon (e.g., around day 32).

In some cases, if a ewe or doe is struggling to pass the placenta, veterinarians might recommend medication to stimulate these contractions

Recovering from hip surgery requires a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory diet high in protein for muscle repair, Vitamin C for collagen, and Vitamin D/Calcium for bone strengthening. Key foods include lean meats, fatty fish, leafy greens, and berries, while topically, lavender and eucalyptus essential oils can aid pain management.

Key Nutrients and Foods for Recovery

Protein (Lean meats, legumes, dairy): Essential for wound healing and preventing post-surgical muscle loss.

Vitamin C (Berries, broccoli, sweet red peppers): Boosts immunity and supports collagen production for tissue repair.

Vitamin D & Calcium (Fatty fish, eggs, fortified dairy): Helps rebuild bone and ensures calcium absorption.

Anti-Inflammatory Foods (Olive oil, nuts, seeds): Reduces swelling and manages surgical pain.

Zinc & Magnesium (Leafy greens, seeds): Crucial for accelerating tissue and wound healing.

Helpful Herbs & Supplements
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica): Known to improve circulation and aid in wound healing.

Glucosamine & Chondroitin: Can assist with joint mobility and cartilage maintenance.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil, these reduce inflammation in the joint.

Essential Oils for Comfort (Topical/Diffused)

Lavender: Used for reducing anxiety and managing pain.

Peppermint & Eucalyptus: Offer anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties for topical use.

Citrus Oils: Useful for reducing pain, particularly during rehabilitation.

Application: Dilute with a carrier oil (coconut or olive oil) and massage around the affected area.

Disclaimer: Always consult your surgeon, WebMD, or a nutritionist regarding supplements before starting them. I always use WebMD to check if mixing certain herbs and pharmaceuticals can cause problems, which also help confirm if the medical field secretly knows that the herbs actually work.

WebMD

Distilled water is safe to drink but not ideal for regular, long-term hydration because it lacks essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can lead to mineral deficiencies and potential electrolyte imbalances. While it is pure and free of contaminants, it often tastes flat, and relying on it solely requires a balanced diet to replenish lost minerals.

Pros of Distilled Water:

High Purity: The distillation process removes virtually all impurities, including bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and heavy metals.

Safe Alternatives: It is an excellent choice for consuming water free from fluoride or contaminants often found in tap water.

Kidney Stones: Because it has no calcium or sodium, it may help in reducing the buildup that leads to kidney stones, notes MedicineNet.

Cons of Distilled Water:

Lack of Minerals: Distilled water is stripped of calcium, magnesium, and other electrolytes.

Potential Electrolyte Imbalance: Because it lacks minerals, it can cause the body to leach electrolytes from tissues to maintain balance, according to BrightStar Care and Tyent.

Unappealing Taste: Most people find the taste “flat” or “stale,” as the beneficial minerals that give water its taste are removed.

Long-Term Deficiencies: Regular consumption could contribute to mineral deficiencies if not offset by a nutrient-rich diet.

For most people, drinking distilled water occasionally is not harmful, but it is not recommended as the primary daily water source.

Spring water is often considered one of the healthiest options due to its natural mineral content, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are retained because it does not undergo harsh filtration. However, the healthiest water is simply any safe, purified, and accessible water that ensures consistent daily hydration.

Key Considerations for Spring Water:

Mineral Rich: Naturally filters through underground sources, retaining beneficial minerals that contribute to a slightly alkaline pH.
Natural Source: Unlike distilled water, it is not stripped of natural electrolytes.

Safety Factors: While generally safe, some studies have found contaminants such as arsenic or microplastics in certain bottled water brands.

Alternatives: Filtered or reverse-osmosis tap water can be just as healthy, providing pure water without the expense or environmental cost of plastic bottles.

Ultimately, the best water is one that is safe from pathogens and contaminants. The minor mineral differences in spring water are unlikely to provide substantial health benefits over a balanced diet

Reverse Osmosis water is considered less than ideal for long-term consumption because the intense filtration process removes beneficial minerals—like calcium, magnesium, and potassium—along with impurities, resulting in “demineralized” or “dead” water. Consuming this water can lead to mineral deficiencies, increased risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular issues, and lowered pH levels.

Why RO Water is Considered Unhealthy:

Essential Mineral Loss: RO filters remove 92-99% of beneficial minerals, essential for bone and dental health, such as calcium, magnesium, and iron.

Mineral Leaching: Because the water is demineralized, some experts suggest it can leach minerals from the body and flush them out through urine.

Reduced pH Level: The process often makes the water slightly acidic.

Potential Health Issues: Long-term consumption of low-mineral water is linked to increased risks of fatigue, muscle cramps, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular problems.

Taste Issues: Many users find the taste flat or unpleasant due to the lack of minerals.

Mitigation Strategies:

Remineralization Filters: Many modern RO systems include a post-filtration stage that adds back essential minerals to improve taste and mineral content.

Healthy Diet: Experts suggest that if a balanced diet is maintained, the mineral deficiency caused by RO water is not a major concern, as water only provides a small percentage of daily mineral intake.

Dietary Supplements: Including calcium and magnesium-rich foods can offset the lack of minerals in the water, say Leaf Home.

Alkaline water (pH > 8.5–9.5) can be detrimental by neutralizing necessary stomach acid, which inhibits digestion and nutrient absorption, potentially leading to gastrointestinal issues, metabolic alkalosis, and nutrient deficiencies. Regular consumption, especially of ionized water, may cause nutrient deficiencies, skin irritation, and excessive mineral buildup in the body.

Key Reasons Alkaline Water Can Be Harmful:

Disrupts Stomach Acid: The stomach requires high acidity (pH 1–3) to break down food and destroy pathogens. Alkalizing this environment can lead to hypochlorhydria, hindering protein digestion and mineral absorption.

Causes Metabolic Alkalosis: Excess alkalinity can cause blood and body fluids to become too alkaline, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, tremors, and confusion.

Kidney Risks: High pH levels (especially
) can cause hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium in the blood), which is particularly dangerous for individuals with existing kidney disease.

Mineral and Nutrient Deficiency: Long-term consumption can deplete or prevent the body from absorbing necessary minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B12.

Interacts with Medications: The high pH can interfere with medications, particularly those managing stomach acid (like proton pump inhibitors).

Skin and Mouth Irritation: Highly alkaline water can make skin dry and itchy and might disrupt the natural oral microbiome.

Important Context:

Not a Miracle Cure: There is little evidence that alkaline water provides significant health benefits over normal filtered water.

Natural vs. Ionized: Naturally alkaline spring water (containing natural minerals) is generally less risky than artificially ionized alkaline water, though excessive consumption of either can have side effects

Your body’s pH is already balanced (around 7.0–7.4), the ideal water to drink is standard, clean, filtered water with a pH of 7.0 (neutral), or slightly alkaline water (up to 8.5). While marketed alkaline water (pH 8–9) is safe, there is limited scientific evidence that it provides superior benefits over balanced, regular water.

Ideal Water Range: The EPA and health experts often recommend water with a pH of 6.5 to 8.5, as this fits with natural, mineral-rich spring water.

The Myth of Body Alkalinity: Your body is designed to maintain a stable pH of 7.35–7.45 (slightly alkaline) automatically, primarily through the lungs and kidneys. Drinking alkaline water will not significantly or permanently change your blood’s pH.

Alkaline Water Purpose: People often drink alkaline water (pH 8-9) to aid with reflux or for high mineral content.

If you prefer to drink alkaline water, it is best to drink it in moderation rather than relying on it exclusively, as too high a pH (above 9) can cause a bitter taste and potential mineral imbalances over time

Well water is not inherently healthier than city water; it depends entirely on local groundwater quality and regular testing. Well water offers natural minerals without added chlorine, but requires personal testing for contaminants like bacteria and nitrates. City water is safer from bacteria due to mandated treatment, though it contains chemical byproducts.

Well Water Pros/Cons

Pros: Rich in minerals (calcium, magnesium), no chlorine or fluoride additives, usually better taste.
Cons: Untreated, requires regular homeowner testing, vulnerable to contamination from septic systems or runoff; especiallyif septic is not significantlydown hill feom the water source.

City Water Pros/Cons

Pros: Regulated, disinfected, and consistently monitored by the EPA.
Cons: Can have chlorine taste; contains chemicals like lead, chlorine, fluoride, and potential for heavy metals from aging pipes.

Health Verdict

Well water is “healthier” if you want to avoid additives and value natural minerals, provided it is tested regularly to be safe. City water is generally “safer” from acute biological hazards because of mandated testing and disinfection. Both can be optimized for health using appropriate household filtration systems

Llamas require specific mineral and salt supplements, ideally in loose, granular form (similar to sheep mineral mixes) rather than hard blocks, as they cannot lick effectively. Choose low-copper or no-copper options, such as Redmond Natural sea salt or specialized sheep/camelid mineral mixes.

Key Recommendations:

Best Options: Loose mineral mixes (e.g., Stillwater Minerals) or loose sea salt (Redmond).

Salt Blocks: If using blocks, choose soft mineral blocks or Redmond natural salt rocks, which are easier for them to “gum”.

Copper Sensitivity: Ensure the mix is low in copper.

Placement: Keep in a dry, covered area to prevent moisture damage.

Why Loose is Better:

Llamas have different tongue structures than horses or cows, making it difficult for them to consume enough salt from a hard block. They tend to prefer and consume more from loose, free-choice mineral feeders

Coyote packs typically consist of 3 to 7 members, usually comprising a breeding pair and their offspring, though groups can range from 2 to over 10 depending on food availability and territory. While they form social groups, they often hunt alone or in pairs. 

• Pack Composition: A standard pack includes an alpha pair (who mate for life) and pups from current or previous years.

• Size Variance: While often 3–7, packs can be as small as a pair or larger, especially in resource-rich areas (up to 20+ in some reports).

• Behavior: Despite traveling in groups, they are generally less cohesive than wolf packs, often hunting individually or in smaller, loose pairs, which leads to many coyotes being seen alone.

• Regional Differences: Western coyotes are more likely to be solitary or in smaller pairs, while eastern coyotes may form larger, more stable packs.

• Seasonal Changes: Pack sizes are often largest in late summer and fall, following the birth of pups. 

1st meat sheep born this year. We lost most all our baby Goats and lambs last year to our new neighbors dogs. We saved Pete’s life, by moving him and his mother to my rental property in Caplinger; we put them with my renters animals.

Now we have another property in Collins, we can move the mother’s and their young there. We don’t have enough fencing to move them all yet, full time; but at least we can keep the neighbors dogs in Stockton from killing anymore of our livestock.

We moved all our birds, what was left of them that is; and we are temporary moving sheep and goat mother’s and the babies… till the babies are weaned and big enough to move back to Stockton. Once they are weaned, we will move the mom’s back. Once the babies are big enough to protect against predators, we will move them back as well.

Maybe someday, if I dont sell the Stockton property; ill get emus and donkeys for livestock guardians. They will kill dogs and coyotes.

I will be wethering them between 4 and 5 month old. So if you want a Buck or Ram, let me know beforehand. I’ll be weaning and castrating about the same time.

$350/ea. for Intact males. $225/ea. for wethers

417.307.8588

it says Goats in the screenshot, but sheep and goats generally fall under the same rules. With a few exceptions; like feed, and health problems. Sheep can’t have very much copper, where Goats need it. Sheep are more prone to death, and are less parasite resistant.

Criminals look for low situational awareness (distracted, on phones, headphones) and isolation (alone in quiet areas) because these behaviors signal an easy, low-resistance target, allowing them to approach, act, and escape without witnesses or struggle, making victims appear unaware, hesitant, or non-combative. They seek vulnerability, not a challenge, often observing predictable patterns or signs of fear or submissiveness.

Behaviors Criminals Look For:
Distraction & Lack of Awareness: People engrossed in phones, wearing headphones, or generally “zoned out” are prime targets because they don’t see threats coming.

Isolation: Being alone in dark, quiet, or low-traffic areas removes witnesses and opportunities for the victim to fight back or flee.

Predictable Patterns: Routines like taking the same route home at the same time make it easy for criminals to plan an ambush.

Fear & Submissiveness: Showing fear, hesitating, or appearing non-combative (like slow walking, awkward movements, or a submissive posture) signals to a predator that the person won’t resist effectively.

Display of Valuables: Flashy accessories or using ATMs can attract attention from opportunistic criminals.

In essence, criminals target those who signal they are easy to overpower, rather than those who project confidence and awareness, says Cade Defense Academy and the NRA Blog.

The minimum amount of females per male for sheep and goats depends primarily on the male’s age and the management system used, but a common guideline for natural, non-synchronized breeding is at least 15-20 females per male.

Sheep (Ewes per Ram)

The ratio for sheep varies based on several factors:

Ram Lambs (less than 1 year old): A ram lamb should be limited to approximately 15-30 ewes.

Mature Rams: A healthy, mature ram can typically service 35-50 ewes during a normal breeding season under range conditions, with some experienced rams covering up to 70-100 ewes in small pastures.

Goats (Does per Buck)

Similar to sheep, the ratio for goats depends on the buck’s age and condition:

Young Bucks (around 1 year old): A young buck should service no more than 10-15 does per month.

Mature Bucks: A healthy, full-grown buck can typically service 30-50 does, but a general recommendation for standard farm conditions is around 20-30 does per buck.

Key Considerations

Synchronized Breeding: If breeding is synchronized (where all females come into heat at the same time), more males are needed to ensure all females are covered. Ratios for synchronized breeding can be as low as 1 male per 5-10 females.

Terrain/Pasture Size: In large, rough pastures, more males per female may be needed compared to small pens where movement is restricted.
Male Health: Only healthy, fit males should be used for breeding. Overly fat or thin males may have reduced fertility or stamina.

Inbreeding: To avoid inbreeding, it is important to rotate or replace males every one to two years.

Backup Males: Keeping at least one backup male (or a “teaser” male in a separate pen) can help stimulate the females’ heat cycles and provides insurance if the primary breeder becomes sick or infertile.

https://meatmilkgoats.com/2025/12/20/will-emus-make-good-livestock-guardian

Looks like we are getting Emus. Im tired of the neighbors dogs coming onto my property and killer my lambs and fowl. Laura loves her dogs, so i just got a llama and will soon have Emus on my property with my sheep and goats. She has dogs protection on our Collins property, i will have other livestock guardians on my Stockton properties. I wanted Guinea Fowl for tick control, but the neighbors dogs keep killing them, my turkeys and my lambs. So enough is enough. They don’t want to control their dogs, so i have to.

I can just shoot them, but im not home enough to catch them every time. But so you know; you do have the right to shoot predators of most any kind that are coming onto your land and attacking you, your family and/or your livestock in the state of Missouri as of 2025

https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=273.030

Meanwhile, I’ll be getting another Llama and raising Emus next. Then I’ll try Turkeys and Guinea fowl again after. Unfortunately, Llamas and Donkeys may not get along; so Donkeys are out, for now. Maybe if I get a young Donkey, and raise it up with the Llamas; it might be ok… or maybe miniature Donkeys 🤔

https://meatmilkgoats.com/2025/12/20/can-donkeys-llamas-get-along/

Laura has more gruesome pictures and videos of the attack, and she plans to press charges. She caught the dogs Red Handed this time. This has been going on all year, since they moved in; April 2025. Laura lost a few dozen Guinea over the summer, and she is not happy about it. We just got the property in Collins, so the birds will be safe there, now that she finally got her new coop done there. What’s left of them that is.

Last time I had this problem, was when Austin lived next door. I thought the killings were over when he sold to Dakota, so i got new birds. Then Dakotas friend moved in, and the killing has began all over again.

Yes, adult emus can and will kill dogs and coyotes, using their powerful, sharp-clawed feet to kick and stomp attackers, often acting as effective, aggressive livestock guardians for sheep and chickens, though they can also pose a danger to smaller pets if not properly introduced and managed. These large, territorial birds are formidable defenders against predators that enter their space, capable of inflicting serious harm or death with their strong legs.

How Emus Protect Livestock:

Aggressive Defense: When a threat like a coyote or dog appears, emus will charge, kick, and repeatedly strike the intruder with their feet, which have large, sharp claws.

Territorial Nature: Emus are naturally territorial and will actively drive away animals they perceive as threats, making them good guards for smaller livestock like sheep and poultry.

Proven Success: Farmers report emus killing coyotes and other predators, with some even finding dead predators flattened in their fields.

Important Considerations:

Danger to Other Pets: While great guards, emus can also attack and kill smaller animals, including neighbor’s dogs or even their own chickens if not raised with them from a young age, notes this Facebook post and another Facebook post.

Slow Introduction: New animals should be introduced slowly and cautiously to an established emu flock to prevent them from being seen as prey or intruders.

Fencing: Secure, tall fencing (around 5 feet) is needed to contain emus and keep other animals out, says this Facebook post.

In summary, an emu can effectively kill a coyote or dog, but they require careful management to ensure they protect your flock without harming your own pets.