Saturday, April 22, 2017

Secret agent lamb!

Babette took me by surprise last night. She was acting a little odd so I watched her for a bit – and realized she was in labor! In fact, when I went to move her into a hastily created jug next to big sister Bree, I realized her backside was already wet with birthing fluids.

For two first-timer ewes who lambed on the same day, my Vienna daughters couldn't have presented more differently. Bree, with her big belly, well-developed udder, and uncomfortable waddle, looked ready to pop for days. Babette's hogget fleece hid her belly and her itty-bitty udder – but I did notice with surprise yesterday that her vulva was pink and puffy. Trust the puff, I guess. ;-)

By 9:00, Babette was baaa-ing with each push, so I grasped her lamb's ankles and helped her out.

I hardly dared hope for another ewe lamb, but glory be, I got one! I named her Bernadette, after Bernadette Peters, a name and an actress I really like. (Thankfully, she isn't exhibiting the lung power of either her dam or the actress.)  ;-)

Because of Babette's high and tiny udder and her newbie mistake of wanting to keep her lamb in FRONT of her, I spent time making sure Bernadette got some nourishment before going to bed. Fortunately, that was all the assistance needed; they are doing just fine together today.

This little girl looks darker than all the other brown lambs; maybe she'll be my one moorit. If so, she'll be hard to give up!

So thus ends my 2017 lambing season: seven lambs, five girls, two boys. Blessings abundant indeed!
this morning's sunrise – just before it started to rain

That's it for now from . . .

5 comments:

Theresa said...

Quite a nice spread on the lambs Michelle and all so pretty. Love the name and here's to hoping that little Bernadette is that coveted moorit!

Mama Pea said...

Whew! Lovely lambing season and now . . . done! Now someone needs to feed you and bed you down on clean straw. Or sheets. ;o)

Retired Knitter said...

If you love Bernadette Peters then you should watch the movie of the Broadway show "Into the Woods." Bernadette Peters plays the lead - a witch - and she is totally sensational in the part.

Michelle said...

I'm very pleased with them all, Theresa, whatever color they are!

Thanks, Sara!

I changed my sheets two days ago, Mama Pea; now to spend more time between them. ;-)

I LOVE her in that movie, RK!

Claire MW said...

What a wonderful surprise, and a relatively easy birth. Such good news! She is absolutely charming!