Sheep Pull Ahead

Lambs started to arrive this morning.  So far, six to date. 

Glenn and I were eating an early lunch outside under the pergola when we heard a ‘BAA’.  Even though we have 70 ewes, they are very quiet.  A ‘BAA’ must mean something.  So, Glenn jumped the fence and went to investigate.  Only yards away, Glenn stopped to inform me I better come and see. 

 One ewe was keeping her lambs close. 

The other two ewes seemed to be in a mix-up with four lambs and Jenny, our donkey. 

 One ewe got her lambs straight, separated and wandered off.  

The third ewe was a bit reluctant to take the stray lamb.  Glenn gently pushed the lamb to the ewe with only one lamb hoping that she would recognize the lamb as hers.  The ewe was still skeptical, but the lamb was able to creep under her belly, find the teat and grab a drink.  We will have to watch that one. 

All lambs are so tiny, cute, and fuzzy! The little ones actually bellow out, ‘Maaaaa.’ And, their little tails never stop swinging back and forth. 

Score:  sheep 6, cows 2.  The cows will never be ahead again.  That is OK.  But, we have plenty more little ones to arrive: about 30 calves projected and about 100+/- lambs.  We will be able to keep track of the calves, but eventually the lambs will overwhelm us, especially when they start running all over the pasture.  I just hope their moms will be able to keep track. 

PM Update:  add one bull calf, purebred South Poll - future breeding bull to sell.  So, the actual count is:  3 cows/3 calves and 3 sheep/6 lambs.

I think we will be counting sheep in our sleep, and during our waking hours, for quite some time.