Today is Beau's and Boo's third day of life. The weather obliged perfectly, just as it did on the other lambs' third days, so I took the newest little family out to join the rest of the dams and lambs in the pasture. Brava followed closely as I carried her sons, talking to them all the way down the drive and through the arena, but once we got to the pasture, her attention turned to grass. Little Boo seemed confused by the vast assortment of wooly bodies, and set to bleating and following every sheep but his own dam. Not once did Brava answer him, although she did move towards him once in awhile (Beau was sticking closer to mom). I hung out and watched for quite awhile, hoping Boo would find mom, and that Brava would show more concern for her confused and crying infant. It wasn't happening, and then Bronwen decided Boo was her new toy, chasing and butting him incessantly. Fearing he'd quickly become weak and dehydrated if not injured, I scooped up both boys and thankfully Brava noticed and followed us back to the maternity ward. I will halter Brava and take them out to grass later in the day. After today the weather is supposed to turn cooler and rainy again, so I'm not sure when I'll be able to integrate the youngest lambs and their dam with the rest of the flock. I think the confines of the fold could spell trouble....
Anyway, here is a blurry shot of the first/biggest and last/littlest (to date) lambs at Boulderneigh:
(The situation - and the photos - went downhill from here.)On the way back to the house, I cheered myself up a bit by enjoying the flowers.
Flowering plum tree
Euphorbia
Pinks
Mt. Hood (I think) daffodilsThe last of the daffodils to open are my favorites - Tahiti, but I haven't captured a good photo to share yet.
That's it for now from . . .
(The situation - and the photos - went downhill from here.)
Flowering plum tree
Euphorbia
Pinks
Mt. Hood (I think) daffodils
16 comments:
You are a funny lady :) Sheep have survived for thousands of years... Brava would have come running if she thought that Boo was in trouble...
Cripes, I'd be happy with some fake flowers at this point. Enjoy your spring. I don't think we are going to have one.
Dave, SOME sheep have survived for thousands of years - but not ALL sheep make it! The clueless, the weak, the picked on of all species get weeded out. Since I'm not willing to stand by and watch that natural selection process occur, I stepped in. Brava is a first-timer, and certainly seems less attentive a mother than the two experienced ewes who lambed first. We'll see how Butter does....
I would have done the same thing. Glad that she noticed in the end and you got everyone back to the barn safely. What does Russell think of all of the sheep? Oh and my sheep coats arrived today (thanks for all your help by the way) I need to sort them out and get them on the right sheep now.
You are a good sheep grand mommy!
Hi Michelle, Thanks for stopping by today. I've added your name to my giveaway list. Your flowers pictures are beautiful. Have a great day!
Hopefully Brava and the boys will get used to the flock soon.. I think being a first-time mother has confused her a bit.
I just want to cuddle Boo and tell him the world is an ok place... I'm sure you did that already though.
They are so darn cute!! I'm learning a lot about little lambies here. I love it!
Okay, point taken... And I agree with whoever said you were a good sheep grannie :)
You might try her with the most recent lambs (smaller than the older ones) and their mom, and introduce them slowly. Since she's a first timer, She's not fully with the program yet. Usually my first-timers get an extra day in the jug before being turned in with the rest, and do ok. If they don't, that's the last time they lamb for me! I don't have time to coddle them! If their fleece is exceptional, or their bloodlines are worth keeping, I'll give them another chance, but only one. No use having a sheep you have to work harder for when there are others for whom you don't!
Yes, sometimes those first time mothers are a bit scatter-brained... It's probably good that you stepped in, especially since Bronwen was taking on to being a bully.
Oh they're just so very cute!! I couldn't have stood by and let nature take its' course either - I'm an interloper too!! Some mommies aren't as good as other mommies after all...and isn't that what the shepherd is supposed to do? I love the white daffodil!
I find the first timers to often be a little bit ditzy. I have one of those, looses her lamb all the time. sigh.
The lambs are just as bad, but after running around blahing their heads off (Can't they hear each other???) they usually get back together.
It's one of those things you deal with. Probably Brava was just really wanting fresh grass, and so was less attentive, because her focus was on more important matters. I find that if I let them out when the others are in pasture, Moms do a better job keeping track and the lambs learn to follow her.
Then after a few times out alone, they go in with the others in mass.
Even so, every night during feeding time, the lambs are running around like loons while the Moms scarf down supper, oblivious to the piteous wails of the babies. lol
After the grain is gone, then they get all concerned, and "Oh poor baby" lol. It's funny to watch them sort themselves back out.
Brava will do fine, she just needs a little more time, if you can provide her with private access to pasture, she would have an easier time.
Your flowers are so beautiful. I'm hoping we can come visit your little zoo some day. So many beautiful animals, the scenery...very cool! We just moved into Lincoln. Have a good week.
I love the shot of the two lambs...what a difference in size in such a little time...but don't worry - things will even out.
Hi Michelle,
Not all of them are 'great' moms, although chances are she will be a 'good' mom, once her babies get a little stronger and clued in. I have some ewes that are totally devoted to their babies (to the extreme--even participating in lamb races to keep an eye on them) and others that are more 'whatever'. It can be frustrating, but give your newest ones a few more days and they will be stronger and more able to keep up. As someone mentioned, you might let her graze seperate for a short time, before bringing in the rest of the flock, that way she can get her fill of grass and be more attentive of the babies (hopefully). I had a terrible time with Chickie (last years lamb) beating up babies. I wanted to throttle her, but now she has calmed down.
Take care,
Tammy (P.s...two more babies here this morning! Tabitha had twin ewes already born and up when I got up this morning!)
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