Category Archives: Nature
Out with the Old, In with the New
Today is a much nicer day with lots of sunshine and warmth. Two more ewes lambed early this morning, Serenity and Boudicca. Both had twins, Serenity’s sired by Tristan; and Boudicca’s sired by Raider. I quickly cleaned out the stall the older lambs were in and moved the two new moms in with their lambs.
The new mama’s are happy with fresh hay and water, while the lambs enjoy the warm dry straw.
Meanwhile outside isn’t as peaceful of a setting. The “older” lambs are outside terrorizing the world and discovering all types of new things while their mama’s eat breakfast.
They zoomed every which way they could — especially these three; Fleur, Aster and Columbine. Little Marigold is a “princess” according to her mama so she’s not allowed to get involved in too much silliness. And Chamomile, well, she’s not exactly allowed to join in much either but not due to her mama –
More like Annie can’t seem to let her go! Chamomile certainly takes after her name, she is calm and loves to snuggle. Just a little sleepy time tea in lamb form.
Finally Chamomile was let loose and she got to enjoy some romping with her sister, Columbine. I don’t know what it is about feed pans, but lambs are instantly attracted to them!
–Enjoying a sunny day here at Mud Ranch!
A Snowy Start to Lambing
Of course the weather would have to hit while I’m in full-swing-lambing, right? On the 29th we woke up with a few inches of snow on the ground and when I tried to actually walk outside, I realized that rain had fallen on top and then frozen. It was a sheet of ice in our parking area! I was so thankful to have been able to get all mamas with lambs in to the barn and locked away.
I was surprised, however, to find that Sophia had her two ram lambs in the night but am very thankful she is a ewe with sense and went in to the barn to have them. I love ewes like that, and they can be hard to come by. Later in the day Sprinkles had two ram lambs sired by Kenleigh’s Wrangler. She had just what I was hoping for, a four horned ram lamb that I’ll keep my eye on as a possible future flock sire. I’ve named him Fennel, and his brother is Mallow. Both have nice fleeces and in hopefully keeping with previous years, I’m counting on nice horns as well. With Jacobs it could go any which way.
Fennel, Sprinkles & Mallow
The one thing I really enjoy about having the lambs locked in the barn is that I get to play with them more. The friendliest in the “girly” stall (well, plus Aster who is the only ram in that particular stall), is Edna’s lamb Chamomile. As soon as you pick her up she mellows in to your arms and falls asleep. She’s been known to give kisses too. Her sister, Columbine, is not as friendly. She’s very inquisitive but not a snuggler — more of an explorer.
Columbine checking out the water bucket
We woke up again with snow on the ground so I kept the ewes in all day today as well… They’re getting awefully fed up with me right about now. I’m hoping for a beautiful day tomorrow so they can enjoy it outside with their new lambs. The rest of the ewes that are free to roam go and eat and then head back to the barn to chew their cud and hang out. I enjoy just sitting with them and watching.
Selene
So far the count is 5 ewes with 9 lambs — the snow has melted off (except what is in the shade) and Princess, Stephanie and Boudicca look like they’re coming close to their lambing time.
Stella, Hazel & Beltie
Off to go do the chores and hang out with the lambs — AND reassure April that tomorrow looks like a better day!
April with Aster and Fleur
Crocus and the Snowy Trail
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