Sassy, baby and Twig

I was just getting a good hug from Sassy's new calf when Twig came up from behind and just about knocked me over. Sassy became concerned that something was going on with her baby and she came to investigate. Silly Twig thought it was all about him.

Sassy's first calf

Our young Highland, Sassy, had her first calf yesterday. A little heifer. So adorable. Sassy is a three year old purebred Highland bred to a black Angus bull. Only one Highland left to calve. If anyone is interested in buying a few highland cows/calf pairs I have some for sale.

We have two ducks sitting on eggs and a couple of chickens thinking it would be a good idea as well. I am trying to discourage the hens because I want them sitting on Buff Orpington or Auracana eggs and don't have enough at this time.

An inch or so of rain would be very welcome to help the pasture grow green.

It's been a while since I "blogged" and a lot has happened. We finished lambing and they are, for the most part, doing well. Eating and growing as lambs are suppose to do.

I came home from a wool felting class to be informed by Worker Boy that half our Highland herd had calved. In one day. Sounds pretty impressive doesn't it. Well, we only have four bred Highland cows. Pictured here is Patricia with her little heifer calf. I hope the other two gals calve soon.

Finally

Well, Wide Load finally lambed this afternoon. I was surprised to see she only had two lambs. Looking at her yesterday I thought at the very least triplets. Two ewe lambs one weighing 12.5 lbs and the other 13.4 lbs. Add that up and that's a lot of lamb.

Dam (WL) is a Rambouillet and sire is a Suffolk. I had originally planned on putting the Rambouillet ewes in with a Clun Forest ram and for the life of me can't remember why the change in plan. Two really lovely lambs though and I'm, and so is mum, relieved they are born.

In a few days I will take a picture of these two with a few Clun Forest lambs and post it.

Wide Load

I sent a picture of this ewe to a friend a few days ago and she suggested I put a wide load sign on her. I can't believe she hasn't lambed yet. I didn't have a harness on the ram I put in with her group so don't actually know her due date. I think it's any second now. I've been saying that for days. The poor thing must be so uncomfortable. I'll let you know when she's lambed. Hopefully soon.

Snow?

I put seven Clun Forest ewes with their lambs outside today for the first time. This way I don't have to haul water to them and they will have more space to run around in the corral. At first the lambs didn't want to walk on the snow but finally one made a quick dash over to the shelter where there is straw and soon the others raced after their leader. After a bit of getting used to the great outdoors a couple ventured onto the snow. After a quiet opening ceremony the Winter O-lampics began. First event was snow sculpturing which requires jumping up and down on the spot and making shapes in the snow. That event didn’t last long and the cross country snow run began. I think they will make up new events each day.
This afternoon, after the ewes have all had their evening meal, I will bring them all back in to their bed room area for the night. I’m sure the lambs will be happy to snuggled up to their mums for the night.

Clun Forest lambs

The Clun Forest gals have begun lambing and it has been an exciting two days. (they are actually due to start on the 22nd of March) So far we have one single, two sets of twins and one set of triplets. All really nice lambs.

Picture of twelve hour old Cluns.