Monday, April 18, 2016

The Spring Rush

Even after a mild winter, Spring still manages to come all in a rush with so many things to do.

Connor got his very first pick-up truck ride.  It was just down to the end of my road and I was sitting right next to him, holding on tight.

He was dubious about it being a good idea, but caught on quick.

The grass is growing, which means it's time to take it away from the herd.  I re-built the inner fence, leaving them only their over-chewed track and hay.  They have had free run of the whole farm all winter and they are mighty upset with me.

Between losing their grass privileges and the arrival of the black flies this afternoon, the donkeys are not happy with the state of the world, even though the Spring sun does feel awfully good.

The ice went off the pond and, lo and behold, I could see the sunken frisbee about ten feet from shore.  FB thought I should jump right in and rescue it.  I, however, believe in the principle of "work smarter not harder" and no way was I going to swim out into those frigid depths to retrieve it.  Luckily, with the help of a very long pole, the new frisbee was rescued and I kept my feet dry (or as dry as leaky, Spring boots allow).

Over at FB's, the ewe who looked like she was going to have a whole litter of lambs went and did just that, producing a healthy set of quadruplets.

They are all doing well so far and mom loves all her babies, but we will likely take one or two off her to raise as bottle babies or try to graft onto another mom is anyone has just one baby.  Four babies are rather more than most ewes can do a good job of raising.  Both ewe and lambs tend to not thrive - only room for two at the milk bar.

Sheep are funny creatures and generally do best when they have twins.  When they only have one, it is often a huge baby that is difficult to deliver.  More than two are hard to feed.

Now, if we can just convince the rest of the girls to follow this sensible advice.

One did anyway, as there is also a set of twins.  No pictures of them yet.  They are Flora's first babies and she is a bit nervous.  I left her in peace with her babies and will get pictures when they are ready.  All things bloom in their time.

Some of last year's wool helping out in the garden.

Some of the other projects this weekend included moving machinery, garden prep, tree planting and even some of this...

Spring is my favorite time of year, I just wish it would slow down and last a bit longer.


13 comments:

  1. Does nutrition have any effect on how many lambs a ewe has? FB's sheep are in phenomenal condition! I remember from last year the Donkey's resigned distaste at being fenced in!

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    1. They say farmers are to "flush" their ewes before breeding season, and many give their ewes at this time. I do not do this, as I just feed them pasture and very good second cutting hay that I make on my farm.

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    2. I meant to say that farmers give their ewes grain before breeding time. I do not do this, as I would be perfectly happy with one or two healthy lambs!!

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  2. I'd love to slow spring down also, it comes in so fast! I need time to explore and enjoy before the rush is over.

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  3. That one lamb has dark spots and the others don't---different father? That photo of the pregnant ewe laying down is a real OUCH!

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    1. Same dad, just some color to make life interesting!

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  4. Now I had not thought about wool on the garden - do tell what that does? Just like putting leaves on it that you pull off in the spring maybe??? Love those baby lambs and hope that there are some singles to foster the extras out to!

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    1. I planted peas in the center stripe in this sandbox-looking garden, and the wool is just used as mulch. This wool was the waste wool near the tail and legs. It has a small amount of dirt and possibly manure on it, which just helps the garden. As it rots away (eventually), I believe it provides nitrogen for the soil.

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  5. QUADS!!!! Holy Mackerel! Enjoy your Spring.

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  6. They are all beautiful lambs! Congratulations to all the moms.

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  7. Beautiful lambs! Congrats to all the mamas.

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  8. Quads..how wonderful!! it was good of you to rescue he Frisbee:)

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