There is nothing like bright morning sunshine after several soggy days to kick your rear in gear. Let the dog out! Shake the rugs! Vacuum the house! Fill the birdfeeder! Scoop poop off the lawn! Let the sheep out . . . well, all except for Franjean and his breeding group. Okay, that's more than half the sheep; but after keeping everyone in one very wet day, we noticed that Franjean showed marked improvement. Kept everyone in the next day, and this morning I could discern no limp at all! On the vet's recommendation, though, Franjean is staying in at least one more day to give whatever he strained a chance to recover even more.Today is 15 days after Inky was covered, so I really would like to put her back in with Franjean just to make sure she settles (her history gives me no reason to doubt, but still).
I am thinking of putting Butter in as well, both to protect her from the little bully-wether, and, well, because . . . I really do think she and Franjean could produce magic. I know, I know, that means I would have to eat my words and be a hypocrite, as I have argued against breeding ewe lambs. I hate to shock you like this, but it wouldn't be the first time I've been a hypocrite, and as much as I pray to be constantly growing as a person, it probably won't be the last. Sigh. Guess I still have a lot to work on during the second half of my life.That's it for now at . . .
6 comments:
Ah! The sun peeked through for us a little today too. Just didn't seem like enough though. Scoop the poop? It has melted into little poo lumps on our lawn....it's going to be tricky picking it up. I have always said "no breeding ewe lambs" but I will be doing the same (being a hypocrite....) but only my more mature ewe lambs (Jacobs). Butter looked to be a good size ewe, so I don't think I would worry. (besides I want to see what Franjean and her produce!):)
Sun! We have it and in spades. Oh - should I not say that from Nevada??
Sun, SUN! Just what is that? It is a word that I am quite unfamiliar with recently... At least Jackson seems to be enjoying it.
Hi Michelle,
Last year I did breed one ewe lamb. She came "with my ram" and they were already in together so I left it that way. She was herself was a triplet. She did marvelous had a huge single lamb that is as big as some of the adults at 7 months. She is taller than my maiden yearlings and as big as some of the two year olds and a great mom. So she is no worse off. I think the biggest thing is making sure they get their fair share of nutrition over the winter. I think that is more likely to happen if she is not in with the bully, bred or not. I know I don't have much experience to go on, but I though at least one success story was worth sharing. I am breeding my ewe lambs this year and hope it goes as well. I might have a completely different view of it next year. So I confess, Olympia is in with Cooper. She was getting dangerously knocked around by the Dairy girls and with the horned goats still here, I didn't have another predator safe night time spot for her. So I will take my chances with lambing, rather than certain harm from goats or coyotes. She is close to 50 pounds now so I hope it will be okay.
Glad to hear that Franjean is on the mend. I had hopes he would. Sometimes the 'sheep drama' can overwhelm though. I myself don't/won't breed ewe lambs, but it is a personal preference. I work off the farm full time and can't watch them carefully when they lamb sometimes. Also, since you have only a few sheep and a very 'hands on' operetion, you can give her the nutritional needs she needs as well as keep a close eye on her if needed. Lots of folks breed ewe lambs, so I think Butter will be fine.
Tammy
The place where you live is beautiful.
Post a Comment