Homestead Setbacks
It’s so enjoyable to share the good experiences of homesteading, but the tough lessons, the setbacks and failures are another story. Here is one of thoseI horrible setbacks.
The other day when I was at work, one of my sheep crushed my industrial strength grain container of chicken scratch, popped the lid off, and her and her sisters proceeded to gorged themselves on the chicken scratch… with the help of my chickens. I did not expect them to eat that much grain and didn’t think it would harm them, because grain in small amounts is not bad for sheep, but carbohydrate overload is entirely another story. It causes ruminants to get toxic acidosis and cause them to bloat. It kills the bacteria in their rumen (stomach) and in turn, creates horrible toxicity. The mortality rate is very high. A vet can go in and empty the stomach, but even then, it can be touch and go, because of the damage to their bacteria from severe acidosis. 
I am very new to raising sheep. Before I got my sheep I read on raising sheep, watched videos,  talked with people that had sheep, etc., but there are some tough lessons  that only experience gives. I am thankful for the many forums, groups and friends that tried to help during this difficult experience.
I will always carry baking soda on hand, specifically for my ruminants, it’s what all the forums, friends and literature recommended.   It helps to quell the acids, very similar to how baking soda can help our stomach when it is upset. I will keep my grains locked away from my sheep and goats.  The industrial strength food grade plastic grain container was no match for my one year-old, lamb.  I have a hard time opening that container, but she was able to crush it. 
I will raise sheep again at some point. They are wonderful animals and a joy to have. One Shepard  Youtubers said, “When raising sheep, expect losses” I did not expect it to happen this soon. It’s a very sad day on my Homestead.😢 I hope that this video helps educate someone who has sheep, but doesn’t know this. I sure could’ve used it.🥹