During our first full year as (hobby) sheep farmers, we have learned a lot. Sheep need little input most of the time, but on occasion quite a bit of intervention to get them back to health quickly. They have rewarded us with their funny characters and sheep cuddles, plenty of sheep cuddles.
Young helper with the bottle lambs
Lambing and early days
We started the year with 7 in-lamb ewes bought in November 2022. All lambed well, though we lost some lambs at birth. Of the 15 lambs, 12 made it. Two needed intensive care in the first few days: one lamb (later named Lego) suffered from E.Coli, which requires antibiotics and tube feeding of glucose solution for 24 hrs. The other lamb had Lamb Stagger which is a magnesium deficiency affecting the nervous system, leaving the lambs uncoordinated in their movements and unable to get up and stand. Luckily, he made it! Lucky (to be alive) was turned out with his mum after his period in the ICU.
We also had one lamb rejected by mum - this sometimes happens - his twin was loved by mum but Lincoln wasn't wanted. So both Lego and Lincoln became bottle lambs, and we soon found our rhythm. All ewes and lambs were turned out into the field soon after birth, and we added the two bottle lambs soon enough so at 3 weeks old they joined the flock and were being fed (by me) twice or three times a day in the field. It was very cute to have them so excited to come over for their bottle and some good cuddles. Our guests throughout this period were happily helping with the bottles or the cuddles where it was safe to do so.
In the sale ring at Mitchell's - an experience!
Summer sales
Over the summer months, we sold on three ewes to pastures new, and took a number of the wether lambs to market as they reached their full size. Three gimmer lambs (girls) were sold on to a local farmer for future breeding.
We now have four ewes, a ram lamb named Lewis (Hamilton), and our pet wether Lincoln. Lewis has been put to work with the ladies, and he performed beautifully. What a gent.
Taking the sheep for a walk down the road to be scanned
Visit us during Spring to see new lambs
We have had our ewes scanned recently, and we are expecting a number of lambs during March, starting from around the 13th. Come and visit us during this magical time - if any lambs need extra help then there is the chance of bottle feeding and handling them. Last year's bottle lambs proved very popular with guests!
Check for availability up to the end of May on the website.
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