|
|
|
On Memorial Day we separated all but two of our ram lambs from the ewes. They are coming of age and we don't want any unauthorized breeding. The lambs faired well and only Ferrari was noticeably upset about being weaned from his mother. Within a day our new herd of rams had settled in just fine. Fabio is also being tolerant of his new bunkmates. 
0 Comments
Yesterday we introduced the herd to the Cottonwood and Southern Exposure Paddocks. The pastures have grown nearly two feet tall in places, and the sheep went to town on them right away. They ate until they were stuffed, and then they ate some more. The lambs particularly had fun frolicking in their new environment.   Tula has been successfully nursing from Babysheep on a regular basis. Now Bambi is the odd-lamb-out. So, we're making sure that she's getting some supplemental milk in the mornings.  Yesterday we turned the sheep out on a brand new pasture, bordered by an extension of our electric net-fence. We were running out of grass due to the fact that much of the summer was without snow--so the sheep fed on pasture the whole time, nibbling it down to nothing. The new pasture is about half an acre and is thick and lush. The sheep made a run for it as soon as they saw the opening.  I went out to the hayfield with the milk bottle to find Tula. To my surprise, I found her nursing from Babysheep. We have a bummer lamb! This is good for the most part. Tula now has a second source of milk which means that we won't have to feed her as often. We'll have to watch Babysheep now to make sure her triplets get enough milk from her. So far, Bootsy and Buzzy are competing well. The challenge will be for little Bambi to get in there and drink. Bambi is very small and timid, and we'll have to keep a close eye on her and perhaps supplement her with the bottle. She has also has an eye infection that we are treating morning and night. Like mother like daughter. We remember when Babysheep had the same problem when she was a little lamb. Anyhow, I gave Tula her milk; then Sharon and I spent some quality time out with the sheep during a beautiful sunset. It was a good day.     Saying goodbye is bittersweet. We've enjoyed having Lucy and Lulu a part of our farm family. It's wonderful to have seen them grow up and be happy little sheep at Bear Valley Farm. But now they are big sheep ready to find a new home at the Dierk's family farm in West Bend. Lucy and Lulu did not enjoy being put in the trailer, but once we started on the road they calmed down, taking in some amazing sights for the first time. Sights like whizzing down the freeway at 60 miles per hour and giant Semi-trucks passing them by. What were those big noisy things?  Having arrived at their new home, Lucy and Lulu quickly jumped out of the trailer and immediately dashed off to the flock of sheep grazing in the north field. The new herd took to the newcomers quite readily. Before we left, the herd was brought into the barn so we could say goodbye up close. It was nice seeing #31, #32, and #34 again. These were our very own sheep from three years ago. And one of their new lambs made quick friends with Lucy and Lulu. They were inseparable the whole time we were there. It was heart-warming to see.  We know that Lucy and Lulu have found a good home in West Bend. And I'm sure we'll be visiting them again sometime in the future. Goodbye little big sheep. You brought us a lot of joy. Now go and have a great life, make baby lambs, and eat plenty of grass.
Last night Tula and Toro received their I.D. Numbers (Blue #5 and Red #5) without any incident. Of course, their docked tails caused a little discomfort for about half an hour. But all is well now. Today they came into the big pen and boy were they excited. I watched these two lambs frolic and jump around excitedly for nearly an hour before they got sleepy and took a nap. Teardrop still continues to refuse Tula any milk, but Tula doesn't seem to mind too much. She hooked up with another supplier (that would be me).     |