Thursday, April 22, 2010

Messy Lamb Bums

 

There seems to be at least one in every crowd.  Messy bums  come when they are changing over from colostrum to milk.  This is our target for the morning.  I worked last night, came home and milked Carina and Isabella.  Then we headed out to the pasture to check lamb bottoms.  This is Acheron.  He is a ram lamb from Cierra.  He is a beauty. He just doesn’t know that having a messy bum can lead to problems having a poop.  It’s a nasty job but we have to do it.

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Lambs can be very agile and quick.  Especially when you are tired.  He made a quick break to the field.

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Alex was working on the sneak approach but it just didn’t happen.  She was spotted by Cierra and Acheron.

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Mom’s number one priority is protecting her lamb.  Tactic #1, put yourself between your lamb and the shepherd. It works.

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After a little more work and a little help from the peanut gallery Acheron was caught.  Now, warm sudsy water soaking time.

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I think this little boy was wishing that he was with his mama.

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“What are you doing to my baby?”

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After a bit of soaking and washing and soaking and then rinsing his bottom was clean and dry.  He made a mad break and was back with mom getting a snack from the dairy bar. I think Cierra was fussing at us here for upsetting her son.

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Fuzzy has decided that all of the sheep are hers so that makes all of the lambs hers too.  She kept a close eye on us.

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Mornings are never dull.  No one can say that I’m bored, there is nothing to do,  or I’m all done with my chores.  These words never leave our mouths.  We are so thankful to have our animals and the chores that come with them. However, I think I can speak for Alex, Ted and myself when I say that cleaning bums comes kind of low on our list of fun things to do.  Much love and prayers from Mainely Ewes Farm, the home of clean lamb bums.

Kelly

8 comments:

LindaSue said...

I've been so grateful this year - only had to do one goat kid hiney scrubbing - they usually only need scrubbing if they get a touch of diarrhea. It is a rough job - and thank God it doesn't last for a long period of time - bless you hearts - it is all hard work but the payoff is healthy beautiful babies!

Peggy said...

oh and how sticky and hard to get off is that poo on those cute little bums. I have been doing it the past few mornings on baby chicks of all things. found one dead with a plugged up bum so have kept a closer eye on the other chicks. Over 100 at the moment.

Terri said...

I think this is the year for messy lamb bums! I don't ever remebering having such a problem with them. After a couple of days, they seem to do fine, so I guess that's good. At least I haven't had to do any lamb enemas this year (yet)!

Bee Haven Bev said...

All of your animals are just wonderful. I love the lambs, though!

Danni said...

Very sweet post. You could always change your name to "Clean Lamb Bum Farm" - I can just see the graphic to go with it! It would be adorable! :-)
You take such great care of your critters - they are lucky to be with you.
Love seeing Alex trying to sneak up on mama and baby. Good thinking, hiding behind those bare branches. LOL! :-)

Anonymous said...

That is always on the bottom of my fun things to do list too. Right there with cleaning a whole bunch of biddies pasty bottoms.

I wouldn't trade any of it though!
The pictures were great.
Fuzzy can come live with me anytime. She is a cutie. Well, to be fair, all of them are cuties.

Have a great day.

Eggs In My Pocket said...

I never knew there was so much to worry about with lambs. I love visiting here because of your good information! Just love the little sheep. blessings,Kathleen

Lili said...

Wow I had no idea about this type of chore. Glad they are all squeaky clean now! ~Lili