Our ewe pasture is over 7 securely fenced acres of Native Grasses, Rye, Bermuda and Clover. The pasture easily supplies the flocks grazing needs for most of the year. Trees in several locations provide shade.

The ewe pasture has a chainlink secured area of about 50 by 150 feet. This pen is devided into two areas. In this smaller area is a large loafing shed. In 2022 I purchased a DS Sheep sorting system to handle my ewes for routine care and installed it in this smaller fenced area. The larger area I have enough room to easily place a round bale of hay with my tractor or bring in small squares to get them near the small square feeders.

The ewes are secured in the fenced area at night. The ground under the fence gate has been dug out and concrete and rebar laid to prevent anything from digging in. We did the same with the entrance to the ewe pasture, and the ram pasture. We considered a Livestock Guardian Dog to further protect our sheep, but found they require a 6 foot fence to keep them in an enclosed area along with barbed or electric top and  bottom. LOL if I had to do all of that, I would not need a dog.

At Cinnstar we have searched and acquired a broad Genetic base for our original herd. This includes 3 Rocky Mt Bighorn crosses.

Having come from a breed of dog, The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever that has a Very small genetic base I fully understand the issues trying to breed with a Very Limited gene pool. All of our Tollers go back to a handful of dogs that were registered in the mid 50’s in Canada. Our coefficient of inbreeding is Awful! I am actually involved with a small group in Nova Scotia that has found a few “Local Tollers” and because of the “Indigenous Animal Act” in Canada we will be able to bring these dogs back into the Canadian Club Registry, and eventually into AKC! I am hoping to get a male pup this summer! Years ago when I went to Nova Scotia and got down to the South Coast where Tollers originated I SAW Local Tollers! And I took Photos of them. Some looked like all they needed was a decent grooming and they could win in the Show Ring! But all the “Know It All’s” Poo Pooed me and said they were mutts. Thus I applaud the PDSS (Painted Desert Sheep Society) that is using care and caution as they close our registry. I also agree when they did close the ram side. It was time. At the same time I love and laugh at Marica Alvizo’s stories of years ago in the beginning how they would go to auctions and find “painted” sheep. Actually if you did go to an auction and found a ewe today, there is a procedure to bring ewes into the registry. I urge breeders, even long time breeders to expand their closely related herds with some new blood.

 
                  Our DS Sorting System

After getting a certain number of ewes, and trying to care for them (sorting for breeding units, worming, medicating, nail trimming, ect) I Knew I needed something More than using cattle panels in my loafing shed! So I researched different sheep sorting systems. I decided on the DS System. All the metal is galvanized, so will be pretty corrosion resistant. I found that the ends of painted pannels often rust. I purchased the shorter height system. And being short myself, I'm glad I did. Even the largest of my ewes do not try to jump out. However that did not deter my Urial cross ewe in not only leaping out of the system, she then proceeded to leap over my 6 foot chain link fence! So I sent her back to Ethan Ulfers who has an even Taller system for his more wild sheep!

After using the system several times, I have made a few changes to suit my particular situation.

All and All it is a Huge Time and Effort Saver! Most of all it is so Much Easier for my ewes! The ewes are really pretty casual about going though it now.

  

   

 

 We currently have 31 Painted Desert Ewes in our flock. Please be patient while I get all their photos  up on our website! Thanks!

Sunny Cinnstar Dancin In the Sunlight GSR Alvizo Ranch Harley ex Paid For Farms Bernice Lambed April 6 2022 Elf Ear
   
    Lolli Cinnstar Elfin Lollipop GSR Alvizo Ranch Harley ex Arrow J's Simora Lambed March 23 2022 Elf Ear

   

 

Tiara Cinnstar's Tiara GSR Alvizo Ranch Prince Purple Rain ex Neely's Obsidian Jewel Lambed March 19 2021  Elfie Cinnstar’s Elfin Miss GSR Alvizo Ranch Prince Purple Rain ex Blackwood’s RM Mary Born March 29 2019            Jacaranda Cinnstars Jacaranda GSR Alvizo Ranch Prince Purple Rain ex Arrow J’s Simora Born April 13 2019            
Cinnstar Ewes From Other Breeders Jupiter Dark Horse When Jupiter Aligns With Mars GSR Dark Horse MercuryRising ex Alvizo Ranch Flora Lambed Feburary 4 2022