A new baby was born earlier this evening. She is a strong, but small, robust little girl, a ewe lamb, born to Mary, a Cotswold/E'st a Laine Merino, and my largest sheep. Mary should have had twins that were twice this size, but like the baby born to Lena last week, I believe the sire of this lamb was a 4 month old Shetland ram lamb and the mating took place in September prior to separating the lambs from the mothers. I am pleased that both lambs are well and strong, but my ineptness in this situation, the lack of prompt removal of the male lambs from the ewe flock, has led to two breedings so far. I am hoping there are not many more if any.
One good thing is that the fleece of this little angel should be exquisite. The Cotswold is soft, lustrous and curly, while the E'st a Laine Merino is crimpy and fine and thick. Add the soft Shetland curls to the mix and she should have fleece to die for.
I separated the mother and baby,taking them to the barn where there was no wind so the baby could dry off. The mother was still cleaning her at that point, but at 9 pm, Mamma Mary had already led the lamb back to the flock, despite the snow falling down outside. The lamb appears not to be cold (it is only minus 4 currently) and knows where to nurse. She is not hungry but wags her tail when she is near her mother, so she is recognizing her in the flock. Mary is an excellent mother with superior instincts and will be a wonderful mom again.
Welcome baby ewe, welcome to the Fat Ewe Farm! I guess Mamma sheep is not as fat as she was this morning.
One good thing is that the fleece of this little angel should be exquisite. The Cotswold is soft, lustrous and curly, while the E'st a Laine Merino is crimpy and fine and thick. Add the soft Shetland curls to the mix and she should have fleece to die for.
I separated the mother and baby,taking them to the barn where there was no wind so the baby could dry off. The mother was still cleaning her at that point, but at 9 pm, Mamma Mary had already led the lamb back to the flock, despite the snow falling down outside. The lamb appears not to be cold (it is only minus 4 currently) and knows where to nurse. She is not hungry but wags her tail when she is near her mother, so she is recognizing her in the flock. Mary is an excellent mother with superior instincts and will be a wonderful mom again.
Welcome baby ewe, welcome to the Fat Ewe Farm! I guess Mamma sheep is not as fat as she was this morning.
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