Friday, November 21, 2008

Ram-weary

I am ram-weary, or at least breeding-season-weary. Breeding season means no snuggle-time with my girls, finding the spot that makes each one go into that trance-like state of delight. Breeding season means pervasive smell of ram - something never before experienced here, as ram lambs apparently don't stink (much like boy-children vs. men). And this breeding season means one ram is getting no action, and is, therefore, VERY frustrated.
I've started turning Russell out into the arena when he's done with his hay and it's not pouring, hoping the sand and additional exercise will help combat his white-line disease. I don't know if Braveheart is just glad for the company, or hopes to romance that long-legged beauty!

I have to say, the camera I had waiting in the wings is a doozy! I'm beginning to feel blessed by the disappearance of my old camera, because it forced me to get this one out and try it. It takes such great stills that I'm actually getting a bit excited about taking some video!

That's it for now at . . .

12 comments:

thecrazysheeplady said...

Beautiful "pony"!

Sharon said...

That last picture is priceless. Good thing you had the camera!

white_lilly said...

Great photos! I have a frustrated ram at the moment whose by himself not sure what to do with him!

Kathleen said...

I imagine ram smell must be similar to buck stink...eau d'boy that lasts and lasts. The horse doesn't seem to notice though!

Unknown said...

Hi! We've all been sick in my house for the last couple of weeks. Plus, I've been working more than usual. So, today I uploaded 4 posts that have been waiting in the wings for awhile. I love checking out your blog for the beautiful pictures and the details of animal husbandry. Hope all is well!

Vicki Foster said...

I too have frustrated ram, one week and counting until I turn them out into their breeding pens!! Eau d'sinky ram is a new experience for us because they were all lambs (save one) last year. mmm ... mmm ... yuck! ;0)

Love your blog and all the beautiful pictures you post!

Carol B. said...

I have noticed that my rams start getting that really musky scent in September and grow stronger smelling as the breeding season progresses. Next spring after shearing, the smell will be less intense. Maybe I am odd, but I don't dislike the smell of my rams. Pine scented air freshener is something that I think of as "stinky." Maybe I feel this way because the rams are producing a natural scent with the purpose of inducing the ewes to be fertile and receptive, but air fresheners are chemical pollutants in my mind.

Franna said...

Poor Braveheart! However, even our rams in breeding groups have "frustration time" when ewes in the **other** group are cycling and his are not!

eau d'ram - unique - and Carol, I agree, there are many worse smells!

- Franna

Gone2theDawgs said...

That would be one strange love affair! I haven't even started with my breeding groups. I'm planning on doing that tomorrow. It's putting the rams back together after breeding is over that I'm dreading.

Tammy said...

Me too! Ram weary that is. So glad when things settle down around here. On the plus side, today I took Mr. Sprat (who is now called "Just Jack"), Orion and Omen over to Allena's. It seems strange not having them around, but also not having to look out a hundred times a day and make sure they are WHERE they are suppose to be is nice!
Tammy

Robbyn said...

What a beautiful horse! I'm sooooo long overdue with my emails...please forgive! I hope you enjoy your time with your MIL and that your Thanksgiving is simply wonderful, Michelle :)

PerfectTosca said...

That's a really cool horse. I never been near a horse but I bet it's cool. That one with the horns looks pretty scarey though. I don't think I would mess with him. Listen, do you have an opening for a sheep dog? I gotta get out of this nuthouse. The cats are running my life and I think I have a hairball. I helped The Woman with a rescue litter and even they ran my life. Anyways, i never been near a sheep either, but I learn fast. I'm a collie and that means I'm smart, right?