Getting Prepared

We always want to ensure that our calves, lambs, and foals are placed in 5-star, loving homes, that meet high standards of care:

Clean pasture, proper shelter, adequate fencing, companionship, a veterinary relationship, appropriate handling equipment, and knowledge of basic care. These requirements protect our animals and help ensure successful, long-term ownership for our Buyers.

1. Adequate Land & Pasture Management

  • Minimum ⅓ acre per calf of healthy, well-maintained grass pasture, free from debris.
  • Dry-lot or sacrifice areas should be available during winter, wet seasons or overgrazing periods for lambs and foals.

2. Companionship

Cattle, donkeys and sheep are social animals — placing them alone causes stress, developmental issues, depression, and sometimes aggression.

3. Proper Shelter & Weather Protection

  • Shelter
  • Roofing that protects from rain, wind, hail, heavy snow, and direct summer sun
  • Safe, dry bedding areas
  • Nighttime protection from predators depending on region.

4. Safe, Durable Fencing

  • High-tensile 2×4 or 4×4 woven wire
  • OR equivalent heavy-gauge livestock panel systems
  • Fencing must reach a minimum of 48 inches for minis
  • No barbed wire for lambs
  • Electric offset is recommended for bulls and rams

This prevents injuries, escapes, and predator access.

5. Veterinary Relationship

Establish a relationship with a large animal veterinarian who can provide emergency and routine care as needed.

6. Farrier relationship

Unless buyer is experienced in hoof work, they should establish a relationship with a species appropriate farrier.   This is mostly relevant to donkeys and sheep that require regular trims.  We can provide contact information for a cow farrier that travels nationwide for those occasional needs.

7. Restraint & Handling Equipment

Most veterinarians require animals to be restrained for medical care. Buyers should have at least one of the following:

  • Halter-trained animals, or
  • A head catch, squeeze chute, or working pen
  • Safe handling alleyway or “crowding” space

This prevents injuries to both owners and vets.

8. Basic Handling & Care Knowledge

  • An understanding of basic behavior and body language
  • Disease prevention (parasite management, mineral requirements, vaccine schedules)
  • Illness identification (recognizing when something is wrong)
  • Safe feeding practices (avoiding bloat risks, no moldy hay, no sudden feed changes)
  • Basic grooming and hoof care expectations
  • The importance of mineral access (loose mineral)

We are happy to mentor new owners to help you prepare.