The Last Lambs

We didn’t know if the two yearling ewes Poppy and Honeysuckle actually bred their first year. Although new Shepherds, I was fairly sure they were pregnant since they had the characteristic “full” look, the right side (baby side in ruminants) was more prominent then the rumen side, and their belly hung lower (when not pregnant they have a tucked-up look). But we weren’t counting on it.

Sure enough, SSR Poppy delivered a tiny little ram Tuesday, April 16^th. But he was too tiny, we think a preemie. He only weighed around 3 pounds, the entire hoof was soft and white still, teeth not erupted, and the horn area was just bare skin. He was very weak and couldn’t stand or suckle. As the morning went on he grew weaker, soon he was barely breathing and seemed unconscious. The poor wee one didn’t make it. Poppy grieved for a couple days, but is doing well. She appears to have adopted the role of flock Auntie with the lamb’s often taking naps all around her, and licking her ears; she checks on them all. She is a very sweet tempered ewe anyway and had been quite gentle with each new lamb born. 

Then on the 21^st, SSR Honeysuckle delivered a darling little ewe. She is small too at 4lbs. 7oz, but is fully developed and vigorous. She is dark brown with white spotting, really adorable. We watched most of the day to make sure she had nursed but Honeysuckle always seemed to step away from her when she tried. Being that Honeysuckle is a first time mom, we couldn’t rest easy so we got hold of her and helped the lamb get a teat. Boy was she happy for that meal! My coat buttons, collar, and chin just didn’t satisfy! And for anyone who has ever had a milk cow, Honeysuckle went into “the zone” while the lamb was nursing.   ;)    Both seem fine today but we’re keeping a close eye on them. The lambs sire is Cedar Haven Max.

Blossom's Lamb

I have been greatly remiss in posting about the rest of the lambs. Its been busy! 

Blossom delivered a large ram. The other lambs have weighed in the 5 pound range. This boy was a whopping 7lbs. 10oz! Of course, Blossom is a fairly large ewe. It was comical to see a wobbly newborn the same size as the almost 2 week-olds! 

He is quite vivacious and vocal like his mother, and it appears his color will be Musket. 

Taffy's Lamb

Well, we didn't have to wait too long until the arrival of the next lamb!

SSR Taffy delivered a gorgeous Moorit ewe lamb on April 2^nd. She is a really good mom and the wee one is doing quite well, up and standing 5 minutes after birth! The sire again is Cedar Haven Max.

She is such a dark brown you think she’s black, and then you see her next to Lassy’s black ram lamb. Plus she has the lighter brown around the eyes and muzzle. Her coloring will probably be very much like her mothers. 

I promise a decent picture will be coming soon, but has to wait for a sunny day. The spring rains have come in force.

Lassy's Twins

On March 30^th SSR Lassy delivered two beautiful, healthy lambs – a black/white ewe and a black ram! These lambs are a first for us but not Lassy. She is a wonderfully attentive and protective mother. Their sire is Cedar Haven Max.

We understand their color can change dramatically in the first two months of life so we’ll wait and see for certain, but the little ewe looks like she’ll be a grey like her Agouti mommy, and the ram is very black. 

We did our best to identify the ewe's markings as krunet since she looks like she’s wearing a hood, plus she has spots too. Let us know if you think this is not correct since we are new to learning the many and varied Shetland patterns! 

How utterly entertaining to watch them spring and bound around! We look forward to the other lambs due to arrive anytime and watching the whole group romp together!