Spring Lambs

Lambing season is always exciting. We love to sit back and enjoy the lambs with their mothers. At first they are afraid of leaving their mom's sides. They stay close and nurse often. After a few days a sort of independence sets in. The lambs congregate together running, kicking and bucking. They range further away from their moms in the safety of the pasture. Oh, they still nurse and run to mom if there is any loud noise or suspected danger. After about 2 months it is time to separate the lambs from the ewes. I do not look forward to this time. Both ewes and lambs are unhappy. The ewes loudly voice their disapproval and the lambs are afraid and making all kinds of noises. It is necessary to make the separation. We hope to sell the lambs and those who do not are destined for freezer camp. We have to keep perspective on our farm. Otherwise we get too many animals to take care of effectively. After the lambs are rounded up they get another injection of BoSe (vit e and selenium), their Covexin 8 (CD&T) booster. And not to be forgotten, a dewormer. We have wet and cool springs followed by warm summers. The perfect breeding ground for barberpole worms. We are taking a proactive stance this spring. After the treatment they are turned loose into this new wonderful green pasture. They will have free feed grain, water and minerals. This little lamb loves to sit in the hay. Not a good idea. When they poop or pee in it, no one will touch it after. I don't really blame them.

We still have afternoon play sessions. A game of chase is always fun.

We put up this stockade fence to protect the one tree in this pasture. They look like they are working on a break down plan.

The lambs have settled into a routine of sorts. Eat, play, eat, play. Not a bad afternoon.

We sold two ewe lambs to a friend right here in Bradford. Diane is getting back into fiber animals after taking a tour with horses. I tried talking her into taking Sadie and Shirley the Cashgora goats back. She said her husband would have a fit. Evidently Sadie and Shirley made a breakout and ate all of his raspberry bushes. Ooops. I guess they will be staying here a while longer. Unless someone is interested in taking the ladies home that is. I am thinning out our Icelandic sheep flock a bit. I want to work with more colors. Always changing. Keeps the farm interesting.

Our prayers go out to our friends, family and neighbors in the midwest. This weather is strange and has touched so many.

We have been so busy here on the farm. I couldn't believe how long ago I had posted. Spring and Summer are out busiest times of year. I enjoyed visiting and reading your blogs. I really have kept up with the reading. You guys have been so busy too.

Much Love and Prayers from Mainely Ewes Farm.