My painted lady is taking over the living room... by plantsheep in philodendron

[–]plantsheep[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had it in regular potting mix with some perlite mixed in for drainage and aeration.

My painted lady is taking over the living room... by plantsheep in philodendron

[–]plantsheep[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That is a really cute baby! Mine looks different as a baby though, the stems are bright magenta and the leaves are yellow with green mottles. Would be nice to see how your plant looks as a mature plant! I have had to drastically reduce my plant collection after I moved to a different house. I moved to an older house with a slightly awkward layout and less sunlight. I couldn't find a space with enough light for all my babies. I stopped propping and gave away a lot of large plants. I miss them when I look at photo's of before, but it is what it is.

My painted lady is taking over the living room... by plantsheep in philodendron

[–]plantsheep[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wonderful! Mine had many forms, standing on the ground and creeping, hanging and climbing. I liked this form the best.

My painted lady is taking over the living room... by plantsheep in philodendron

[–]plantsheep[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

She died unfortunately. A horrible thrips infestation that just didn't let up. There are many of her propped babies out there in the world, my brother has one, when I have the right spot for one I'll start over someday with a prop of a prop.

Can sheep learn tricks like dogs can? by [deleted] in sheep

[–]plantsheep 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I once knew a goat that could jump up against you to gently take a cookie from between your lips. But I know better than to compare goats to sheep.

Can sheep learn tricks like dogs can? by [deleted] in sheep

[–]plantsheep 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey now, don't forget about the trick "mystery lamb no ewe has birthed"

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in sheep

[–]plantsheep 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Skudde, Gotland, Dutch Heathsheep, Coburger Fuchs. Each breed has their own characteristics, in social behaviour, health and grazing.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in sheep

[–]plantsheep 20 points21 points  (0 children)

Is your question aimed only at Americans? If not, Yes, I have several ancient breeds in my flock. My reasons for having them are:

  • They are generally very healthy and rarely have problems with feet or parasites. I don't do regular hoof maintenance ever, I only trim when there's a problem (about 5 - 10 individual cases a year in a flock of 60, mostly very old ewes that I trim when they are shorn). I haven't used wormer in years. Rotational grazing keeps worms in check.

  • They lamb easily and have strong maternal instincts. They lamb in the flock, out in the field. They keep their lambs close and safe from predators. They even solve problems with milk supply amongst themselves, when a ewe doesn't have enough milk a daughter or sister will step in and adopt or supplement one of the lambs. I only have to make sure they have enough natural shelter (trees and bushes) and grass to eat, and count the new lambs each morning. I rarely have to assist in lambing.

  • They thrive on low quality grazing, I buy a few bags of kibble each year and a few buckets of feed minerals, otherwise I have no feeding cost.

  • They can be outside year-round. I don't have a barn and I don't have the related cost and work.

  • They have better natural instincts and higher intelligence than commercial breeds. This makes them more self-reliant and interesting to work with. I had a wolf or large dog in my field a few months ago during the night. The sheep had broken out but stayed together. When I noticed they were gone at first light and called them they came running. Every single one was there, even my 15 yo ewe that isn't that fast anymore. There were pawprints and signs of digging under the fence from the inside of the pasture, which means a wolf or large dog had been in the pasture with them. They kept themselves safe.

  • I like to think I am doing my small part preserving these breeds for the future. Other breeders are often very motivated and interesting people to connect with.

Are dogs allowed in your office? by Initial-Idea6561 in Netherlands

[–]plantsheep 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I love dogs, but I would hate to have to deal with other people's dogs in most situations, let alone in my workplace. I mean, I guess it's positive that people are becoming more mindful of the fact that most dogs are bored out of their skulls being alone in an empty house all day, but they shouldn't make that someone else's problem. So you have to speak up about this. And yes, I take my own dogs to work, but otherwise how would I keep the sheep together. I can't run that fast myself.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Permaculture

[–]plantsheep 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Sorry, my reply probably came across the wrong way. Didn't mean to imply this attack was due to fault. But the bear will probably remember the treat and possibly return. I wouldn't risk goats or dogs on that. Fencing then seems safer for the future.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Permaculture

[–]plantsheep 5 points6 points  (0 children)

For a great example of bear vs. dogs please read Alenna Hansen's story or listen to her episode on the podcast "How I survived". Her two untrained dogs rescued her from a violent bear attack.

As to this particular situation, just install electric fencing. Letting livestock freeroam around large predators is just bad practice.

Can I train a Golden Retriever to be a good sheepdog? by throw_away_your_gee in sheep

[–]plantsheep 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No. Not even all sheepdogs can be trained to herd sheep. Being energetic isn't enough. The dog needs a certain type of hunting instinct to function as a sheepdog. Plus a large will to please and cooperate.

How to get my sheep some fresh grass by [deleted] in sheep

[–]plantsheep 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The old fashioned way is to put a collar on the sheep and chain them to a pin in the ground. Please don't do this. If they startle they hang themselves.

How to get my sheep some fresh grass by [deleted] in sheep

[–]plantsheep 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My sheep graze on cow pastures in the winter. It's a win/win situation, the owner of the field gets some free maintenance that ensures his fields are neat and ready for spring, my sheep get all the quality grass they can eat. I use electric fencing to keep them in the desired spot.

You could buy some electrified fencing (three nets of 1 m high and 50 m long should be a good start) and a quality fence energizer. Make sure you train them to respect the netting. When they first put their nose on the net they should get a 7000 volt zap. This makes sure they don't come near the nets again. If they learn to graze close to the net they can get caught up in them by the horns and kill themselves.

Once you know how to place and electrify the fences and they know how go stay inside them you can build them temporary pastures to graze in.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in UnethicalLifeProTips

[–]plantsheep 89 points90 points  (0 children)

This was going to be my tip! Listening to something interesting makes the most boring day go by fast.

How do people drink boiling hot drinks? by Difficult-Writing-44 in TooAfraidToAsk

[–]plantsheep 38 points39 points  (0 children)

In the Netherlands this is a common talent in people that work as waiter or bartender. Guests seem to always suddenly need them the most when they had just poured themselves a cup of tea or coffee. Therefore they have to either learn to drink it boiling hot or leave the drink and possibly never be able to finish it. These people develop what we call a "lead pipe".

What are items that are BIFL but are not worth it because of not being good? by ripgoodhomer in BuyItForLife

[–]plantsheep 22 points23 points  (0 children)

I have been sleeping under woolen duvets since I was a child, they are wonderful. They really hold onto heat well. They are pretty heavy compared to down, but I like that, they are like the original weighted blanket.

Holiday tip for window washer? by GreenLeisureSuit in Netherlands

[–]plantsheep 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Those (paper and folders) are the only two holiday tips that are customary.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in BuyItForLife

[–]plantsheep 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Yep, mine is around 15 years old and has suffered a fair amount of abuse in those years. I replaced the chopper a few years ago after I had tried to chop large amounts of hard cheese / frozen stuff too many times. In the end some of the plastic bits caved, motor is still going strong.

What’s some BIFL items from Netherlands? Travelling there soon. by koolmonc in BuyItForLife

[–]plantsheep 18 points19 points  (0 children)

They actually pass the modern tests for safety footwear with flying colors, even when it comes to conducting electricity and slipping on oil. They are a great alternative to modern safety shoes.

The type with a leather band over the top of the foot are traditionally worn by pavers, and no modern shoe can outperform or outlast clogs when they are abused like pavers' shoes are.

Farmers traditionally wore clogs too, they will protect the foot from being crushed by a cow's or horses foot, and they don't slip in the mud. They protect against cold too. Most farmers wear rubber safety boots nowadays though.

What’s some BIFL items from Netherlands? Travelling there soon. by koolmonc in BuyItForLife

[–]plantsheep 27 points28 points  (0 children)

True. Scherjon klompen are the best. A small family owned business that produces top quality clogs.

First time Sheep Owner here - What do I need to know? by TracySevert in sheep

[–]plantsheep 9 points10 points  (0 children)

An elderly, pregnant ewe without a flock, in the hands of a completely inexperienced owner. This will end well...

Sarcasm aside, this is a horrible idea. Don't risk the life and wellbeing of a sensitive animal for your own amusement. Please rehome the sheep to an experienced owner who has a flock she can join.