The not-so-miscreant sheep, all still alive and well.
We did send this year's crop of lambs off so the flock size did get a lot smaller all of a sudden. Perhaps that is what triggered all the rumors of their demise, but that happens every year.
If you are wondering whether the moms are missing their lambs, the answer is a resounding NO!!
They were all heartily sick of dealing with the adolescent shenanigans. Lambs are oh-so-cute when they are little and everyone loves them, but that wears thin when they turn into a large crowd of rowdy, obnoxious teenagers. Every one of the ewes heaved a great sigh of relief and sauntered out for an unmolested nap in the sun after the lambs had gone.
All but this one lamb on the left, she is sticking around to join the flock. That is her sister from last year on the right.
Peace in the realm.
These two will also be leaving soon. Like lambs, pigs are also terribly cute when they are small, but the charm wears thin when they get big enough to use humans as bowling pins. They think that is quite a fun game and it is best to not have to go in there with them. It is not that they are mean, it is just that they are overly exuberant and have no respect. Being a bowling pin is not an enviable position, especially not when the "bowling ball" weighs 250 pounds and might eat you if you don't get up quick enough.
They are photogenic bowling balls though.
Very nice pictures, but where is Bess? All the pigs and lambs in the world were never as cute as Bess!!! Notice Sara, I am raising X lambs!! I had to keep one lamb, as Bess loves those sheep!
ReplyDeleteWow! Those are some big pigs! Do you sell them out right or fill the freezer?
ReplyDeleteI usually sell one-and-a-half hogs, and keep one half that I share with Ms. Dancing Donkey. I mostly like beef and chicken.
DeleteAwesome pictures. It really shows some personality for the sheep and pigs.
ReplyDeleteHow did Bess react when you loaded up all the lambs? Did you have to pen her away, out of sight?
ReplyDeleteI do not load up any livestock from my farm. All cattle, meat chickens, hogs, and lambs are processed here on the farm in the most humane way possible (not be me) and then sold privately. This is done to minimize stress. Instead of being stressed for a day or two, they are stressed for possibly two minutes. This is very, very important to me. I do keep all the dogs in the house when any of this is going on. Bess does not act the least bit upset, as she still has a flock of sheep, and I don't think she forms a special bond with any one in particular. Actually the cattle and sheep tolerate Bess, but they don't really seem to like her, although she does like to be around them, especially around the sheep.
DeleteSo entertaining and interesting having so many different farm animals. We raised a few calves when I was a child and my dad even had a couple of pigs one time, but I barely remember getting to know them. That probably wouldn't have been a good idea since they went off to butcher. Very happy for the ewe girls, they can relax now.
ReplyDeleteSpotted bowling balls no less! I think almost every Mom feels a great sigh when the younins leave the nest don't you? ;)
ReplyDeleteWhat awesome looking animals in beautiful housing!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing such wonderful pictures. I'm glad your ewes have the opportunity to have peaceful naps once again now that "the teenagers" are gone. I had to smile when I read that, and I agree with "MTWaggin" about youngins leaving the nest!
ReplyDelete