Twenty years ago, Les and I had a few sheep at our small farm . That is back when we lived at our first home. The ewes had lambs and we just “woke up” one morning to lambs….We had good success and no problems. But we could not keep them in our pastures and finally sold them…
My seven little Katahdin Ewes are my first real attempt to raise sheep.
I purchased them to use in my clinics and work shops to herd. But purchased them with an eye to breed them. So I chose them the way I would choose a cow or a horse to breed even a dog.
I wanted good wide deep chests, equal hip size, strong backs and necks with good muscling. Pretty heads and good feet and strong legs positioned correctly. Not too tall but in proportion. Like I would a Halter Horse or a cow I wanted great conformation! But I also wanted a kind eye.
Now temperament was not something I could know much about. So I was relying on the kind eye….I had nothing else to help me. The sheep I purchased were pasture raised and not handled. (kinda the norm)…
Tonight was the FIRST TIME that I knew for sure my sheep are good tempered! It was the first time they allowed me to really rub and pet them! I am thrilled! Now granted these are hair sheep that are shedding like mad! Scratching a neck or a ear is welcomed by all the sheep!
I sat on a low stool (not the first time!) and they just came up to me and I started scratching! WOW! All but one (Spot) came and wanted to be scratched. If I had stayed another 30 minute she would have given in I am sure! But there will be another day!
I believe I have several ewes that will lamb very soon! All the signs are there. Vulva swelling, lambs have dropped, udder is filing with milk, teats are extended and large!
Sheep carry between 144 days and 155 days (five months) So my girls were first exposed to the ram on October 26th, 2011… That should make them due March 18th through March 29! That is fast approaching. The full moon is the 8th!
Tonight you would have thought my sheep were pets. I believe that is just one more sure sign that Lambs will be here very soon! Guess that new baby monitor has a new job! And I have some last minute work to finish. Like straw for the stall. Gathering my lambing kit, and fixing some private places for the newborns and their moms!
I am very excited about the stork’s arrival! He will need lots of gator aid and Tylenol!
