Today dawned sunny - a bit more snow on the ground and all the slush turned to ice - but
sunny. I wasn't expecting that and didn't realize how much I needed it after yesterday's winter storm and lambing worries. The lambing worries were all for naught, of course, but were soon replaced with
lamb worries. Tiny little Bloom (shoot; I still haven't weighed them!) wasn't as energetic and go-getting as her bigger brother Bittersweet, who found the faucet quickly and often. I watched her bump around for quite awhile before deciding I'd feel better knowing she had some warm colostrum in her tummy, but even when I got a teat in her mouth she didn't suck all that eagerly. I assisted a couple more times last evening with even less success, so finally gave her a few cc's of NutriDrench and went to bed. I have to admit I was bracing myself for the worst when I went down to do chores this morning. The twins were curled up in the straw under the heat lamp, heads up at my approach (first good sign). Bittersweet hopped up and stretched; Bloom took her sweet time but finally got up and stretched as well (second good sign). Then I rejoiced as she toddled over and latched on for a good long breakfast!
I know, I know, it's silly to worry about Shetlands; they are such a tough and hardy breed. It's just that this precocious dude -
set the bar very high for vigor this year. And it's amazing how huge he looks compared to the twins even though he's just two days older. Yes, he's a singleton, but out of a very petite first-time mother.
Would you like brown, pale, or speckled?
This sight when I closed up the henhouse last night made me chuckle. All lined up according to color!
That's it for today from . . .
set the bar very high for vigor this year. And it's amazing how huge he looks compared to the twins even though he's just two days older. Yes, he's a singleton, but out of a very petite first-time mother.
This sight when I closed up the henhouse last night made me chuckle. All lined up according to color!
11 comments:
I was always very happy with the results of giving a lethargic lamb some NutriDrench. Good Job!
Your chickens are SO funny! Actually, I frequently noticed my sheep grouped together by color in the pasture as well. I used to joke that each was prejudiced!
What beautiful lambs! Shetlands and Icelandics are such hearty breeds, but that doesn't make us worry less, does it? That chicken line-up is a riot!
birds of a feather...
glad to hear Bloom is getting with the program.
Only you would have chickens with OCD. LOL Glad the little one is up and at it this morning. They are adorable.
congrats on all the happy, healthy babies! just love little Bing. He looks like quite a character
If you TRIED for five years, you could never have had the chickens line up like that for their picture!
The lambs are little dolls!
Thanks, Nancy; this is the first time I've given NutriDrench to a lamb.
Susan, we are "mothers;" we must worry. ;-)
It sure was a relief, Shelly!
Christine, I'm not sure whether to laugh or get livid!
Denise, don't you need a black sheep in your family? He's a doll!
Actually, Mary Ann, that's not the first time they've lined up like that!
I'm sorry, but I've gotta second Christine :-D.
Such beauties; it almost makes me miss lambing!
I would love to have another black sheep,,, but I wonder about trying to introduce an individual to an established group. Seems kinda tricky.
Denise, I would think you could do it by "cram-penning" like you do when reintroducing rams. Put them all in a small enclosure where they can't get a run at someone and soon all smell like one another. Either that, or put them out on pasture where there's plenty of room to evade....
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