I arrived home from town and it was all most dark…I walked with KAT across the dam because it was to wet to drive the gator on. Journey was left in a down at the gate… All but 2 sheep were at the gate…they know when it is time to come up for the night. (No I do not feed them) they are creatures of habit.
KAT and I walked down to the one ewe and the other ewe was a fussing vocally as she walked up the steep hill to the main flock. (I know that cry she was making) I was limited with the light for seeing in a big field but was able to locate the young ewe’s lamb on the ground that she must have delivered on her way up the hill. Great! I stuck it in my coat talked to it and kept it warm and rubbed it…as I checked the other ewe that was just standing there with no lambs…Thankfully…
We penned the sheep in the round pen and I got the young ewe to lick and start caring for her lamb. I was beat and needed a shower I took care of that and then a nap…
Well shoot there was another lamb trying to enter the world ! This one presented hind legs first and there was no turning it.. So I managed to get the leg that was hung and pulled the lamb out. By this time the lamb was dead and I was just sick for that ewe and my 2 sweet lambs.
THEN!!!!!!!
Something was eating my left wrist up! I had a shirt with long sleeves and a jacket on. Yes it was raining! I thought the fluid from the ewe was causing my skin to burn! and feel like I was being stuck. THEN it dawned on me! FIRE ANTS! They had gone all most up to my shoulder. Well let me tell you I come out of my shirt and jacket. It is dark, Journey is on the gator sitting in the seat. One has to wonder what he is thinking of the crazy woman dancing and having a fit.
Well then there is Les! He is sitting in the living room and sees me coming across the yard in my disrobed state on the JD Gator…with Journey riding shot gun…(remember it is dark) and we live off the road and no neighbors…But I can tell you that would have made no difference. Les met me at the door and said “what in the world are you doing???” I am ranting about fire ants and he says “can I take a photo?” Well the short answer was “NO! ”
Sigh…So what had happened the ewe had laid down in the fire ants and they were having a feast on her privates. I entered with my hand and they were up inside on the dead lamb…that is where they attacked me. and I was so busy trying to pull the lamb…I did not think of anything but how to pull the dead lamb…and let me say that is NOT a place I would think of fire ants being.
Journey was amazing and listened to me…and helped hold the ewe by placing his sweet self in front of the ewe. So I could work the back side.
I am all ready sore and achy. I will be able to count the bites by morning…I will be fine!
I called on The Lord and He helped me know what to do and how to help deliver the lamb. It was bad for her and the lambs…I pray this is the only difficult lambing we will have. Thank you Jesus for your help.
On a lighter note…That Stork and I need to talk about his landing skills…After all of our troubles Journey and I took a gator ride to just chill out. I had a new shirt and jacket on ! 🙂
Now it is thundering and raining and I am thankful we are not out in this and the ewe is fine and she will get some shots in the morning to keep her from infection and to help her feel better. This was her first lambs and a set of twins…
