First time mama, Frilly, gave birth to a 10 lb healthy boy today. Frilly did a great job cleaning little Franz and bonding with him. When it comes to letting him suckle, she needs some convincing. Some first-timers just don’t react well to the sensation. Sissy and I have to hold her still for now. Hopefully she will get used to the idea quickly.
Another baby was born this evening after I left for work. Will get photos tomorrow.
Freckles was in labor when I got to the barn this morning. 9 lb Frickle made her appearance within half an hour. Spaulding was a busy boy five months ago!
Our newest baby, Edith, was born this afternoon. The girls were out in the pasture when I noticed that Eve was in labor. Eve is another first time mama and it was raining out. I thought she would feel more secure giving birth in the barn. I started heading her toward the barn, got as far as the first gate when she turned around and ran back to the spot where her water broke. We repeated this 3 times. She just wasn’t having it. She was determined to stay in that spot. She kept nosing around in the grass, looking for a lamb. This is common of so many sheep in labor. They have a little contraction and have to examine the ground behind themselves, hoping that’s all there is to it, there MUST be a lamb back here somewhere. So, Eve gave birth for the very first time out in the rain. I gave them about 20 minutes to bond then went out to bring them inside. Little Edith is a healthy, floofy 9 lb. girl. Eve is taking to motherhood like she has done it all her life.
My nephew’s first encounter with a lamb, back when he was a baby.
Farmer Keen 