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Saturday, March 26, 2016

Sheep TV...Part Two

They were watching Annmarie bring in some new lambs from the field!

Ewes have the option of lambing out in the field at The Training Center and most seem to prefer to do so.  This works out well because they can get off by themselves if they want to and the grass that gets "sterilized" by the sun is usually "cleaner" than a barn.  Of course this is only helpful if the weather is warm and sunny, as so many of our spring days have been this year.

Once the momma has had a chance to settle in and clean up her new lambs, they are moved into small "jug" pens in the sheep barn so they can be monitored for the first several days.  It's important to make sure the ewe has enough milk, has no complications from delivery, loves and bonds with her lambs, the lambs are healthy and strong, they can get tagged and recorded...

Moving lambs and their mom out of the field can be a bit complicated.  It's important to not stress them any more than you absolutely have to.  If you only need to move them a short distance, you can pretty easily pick up the lambs and carry them into the barn.  It's important to carry them down near the ground though so the ewe can see them.  Since "lambs can't fly", she'd never think to look up for them and can panic.  

If you have to cover some distance or the ewe has twins or triplets, the trip in from the field can become quite a challenge.  Annmarie's golf cart set up is perfect.  You pick up the lambs and secure them in a small dog crate that is attached to a low step at the back of the cart.  The cage is low enough that's it's easy for the ewe to see and hear her lambs and she'll follow them right down to the barn.



Escorted by a loyal guardian dog :-).


And her hard working flock dog, Shep, who watches carefully from inside the golf cart.


You can see how carrying them this low, even when they are smaller than these large lambs, could be hard, especially if you are lambing lots of ewes.  I love the expression on Sam's face :-).


"See momma, here they are.  Let's go on into the barn."


Well, after we take a couple quick shots of an exceptionally colorful lambie ;-).

The very best time of the year!


10 comments:

Auntie Reg said...

Very sweet TV program. Perfect Easter post

Mary Ann said...

Great idea! Happy Easter!

Mary Ann said...

Great idea! Happy Easter!

Susan said...

That is tooooooooooo cute! and very clever...well, she is a shepherdess after all!! Thanks.

Grey Horse Matters said...

The lamb babies are too adorable. The golf cart is genius. What a perfect Eadter post.

Marcy said...

Soooo cute! Thanks for all the lamb pics. They are the best. Keep them coming.

Oak Creek Ranch said...

This was interesting/educational. And, oh so cute.

sophy0075 said...

What a great use for a golf cart! Much better than for playing golf ;).

I must confess, I love the multicoloured lambies!

Happy Easter!

LannieK said...

How CUTE! ♡ That little guy ~ he's a sweetie ~ I love his multi coloring, and his mom looks very pleased :-)
Happy Easter!

Terry and Linda said...

What cuties!

Linda

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