Keep well

Gunter

I loved Ohio Valley, and named their operation because I recommend their services…I had an excellent experience! Kent gave us a detailed tour of their operation, and we spent several hours chatting. Hours. He shears for the Cincinnati Zoo, and gave me tips on shearing. I don’t mind a little VM but that seems to be the first thing spinners comment on. The skirting issue is a good point.

I’ve only had my does since May. I chose Angoras because of the spinning possibilities and because I could also get a little milk if I bred them. Hazel & Myrtle are very sweet, so I raise them mostly for the enjoyment. It is a challenge to keep them clean…they constantly burrow their noses in the hay feeder, etc. I never heard of brushing them, which I can’t imagine they would stand for, to begin with.

But I don’t think they’re particularly high maintenence. I worry a lot about the Strongyle, but evidently last summer was just a bad year for worms. I know you guys had a time of it, as well. Having the long coat, their backsides are slightly discolored. I thought it was the scours. Vet said they were fine, though…solid stools and no anemia. Just discoloration from urine and then dirt.

I’m happy to sit for an interview, but I’m painfully new at this. I reckon we can chat, though:)

First, about the orifice hook. I did find it! I was very thrilled too. Thanks for remembering about that. :) I had also lost a flyer and a couple bobbins — of course they were all in the same place.

Now, about the fiber. I would definitely be interested. Were you thinking an even trade, or how many ounces of Corrie would you want for 8oz of your mohair?

About the VM. First, it doesn’t bother me so don’t worry about it regarding the trade. Second, about fiber processors. I have used two different processors for my fleece. With the first processor, the wool came back with lots of VM. With the second one, Zeilingers, the wool come back clean every time. The wool I send in is not any different. So I do think at least some of it has to do with the processor. I’m not going to name the first processor I used in public because I don’t want to slander them, though. Some of it also has to do with how well you skirt your fleece before sending it in. And it’s possible that mohair is harder to get the VM out of, too.

What is your experience with raising goats for mohair? Is it really high maintenance? We’ve heard horror stories that imply you have to brush the animals every day and keep their pens absolutely pristine.

Would you be interested in being interviewed about mohair?

Misti, I just got back my mohair from Ohio Valley Natural Fibers. If you’re still interested in trading, I can offer 8 oz of natural (cream) 50/50 merino mohair roving. It’s my first time sending my fleece out for processing, and it came back with some vegetable matter. Not a lot, and it picks out easily, but I wanted to know if yours comes back really VM free and what the generally accepted norm is.

Also, did you ever find/replace your orifice hook? I twisted one out of bare copper that I dug out of my electrical contractor husband’s scrap pile. Pop a bead on that sucker and it looks freaking artisan. Ha!

Take care, and keep warm. This weekend’s supposed to be REALLY cold.