2023 Lambing Blog

26^th January

As Aub had turned the ewes and lambs out on his own yesterday, felt sure I could do the same this morning, especially as he could ring me when he’d fed the ewes in the 18 acre, as he could then turn the ewes into the nine acre.  The call came, the ewes and lambs were all by the gate, but as I opened it to release them, four blue lambs decided as the barn was empty it was time to do ‘whacky races’ and took off in the opposite direction.  Maisie and I tried hard to guide them after their mothers, but eventually it was easier to herd them back into the barn and take them along to the field in the gator.  As usual, my incompetence was commented on!

Naughty Blue lambs waiting for a taxi!

24^th January

Second day the early ewes and lambs were turned out, but Apricot, being Apricot, suddenly reappeared at speed, her extended trot changing into a fast canter as soon as she saw me in pursuit.  Amazingly both her lambs were with her, more by their own skill than her motherly love, as she was just heading for a better field, taking a further eight ewes and lambs with her.  I hoped the gate to the nine acre was open, as otherwise she’d be heading for Miserden and thankfully when I drove along, once I’d located the gator, they were all happily grazing in their new field.  Talk about independent sheep!

Ewes and lambs settled in 9 acre.