Left it late, but it’s the lambing season

Just like that, lambing was upon us. Having decided to lamb late we are only just beginning when others are finishing. It was hoped that we would avoid the mud, but it was not to be. Not only that, it got cold. Our most dependable ewe was spot on time, giving birth effortlessly, bringing two strong ram lambs into the flock. A great mum. After this year we will be retiring her from lambing as she really struggled with the last few weeks. Her burden so heavy that she plodded on but was clearly uncomfortable. A few days later I noticed that her lambs were only drinking from one side, and after losing my favourite sheep last year to mastitis, the vet was called out with haste. The vet confirmed my suspicion and gave a shot of long-acting antibiotics as well as pain relief. Bless her though, she is still feeding the lambs from one side and managing, the mastitis has not progressed, and we have everything crossed for a good outcome. Disney Mismarked Princess was next and produced a ram and a ewe. One is perfectly marked and one looks as though it has been splatted with white paint, although totally against breed standard it is a beautiful little thing and both are doing well. We are nearly there. Number 64, known as Aunty, is hanging on to her coffee table look. A week ago we thought she was imminent, now we just think she is having a laugh at our expense. She flits from being quiet and subdued to thinking that she is not pregnant at all. Maybe, we are wondering, she is having a huge set of twins. Last year she had King, a very fine huge ram lamb who is the gentlest of characters and a credit to the breed.

The rams are grazing happily in the flocks’ home village and enjoying the beauty of the Blackmore Vale. Tired is an understatement currently and fingers crossed that the last to lamb uncross their legs and just get on with it now!