Here is a cuteness warning.
Yesterday we were phoned by someone we didn't know, to ask if we wanted some Cade lambs?
I was thinking that maybe we shouldn't bother this year, which would make the willow whip planting we have planned easier (sheep would nibble the plants unless they were netted)
He had been told that we knew what we were doing and were kind folk.
Over the weekend two of his ewes had had triplets. One of these use had a non-functioning teat as well, so he had to find homes for one from one ewe and two from the other.
I said we would meet up with him and just have look... Yeah right!
Long story short - we are going to have the three - plus one that is a little older and has no mum.
We are collecting them this evening. They are all boys and their names will start with "A". I have phoned the youngest granddaughter to tell her and say that she can name two of them. As I rung off I can hear her saying to her mum "What about Apple?..Arnie?...? Goodness know what she will decide on!
I will take a photo of them when we have picked them up and post it .... hence the cuteness warning.
Off to get their pen ready.
Back soon.
Gillx
Aww - we've got two bottle babies at work this year (museum farm in Cardiff). They're both the weakest of triplets. i've been helping to tube/bottle feed them to a barrage of 'don't get too attached' from the farmers. At least they're both ewe lambs so there's a chance they'll stay.
ReplyDeleteI can hear those farmers now! Truth is we always get attached even though they are not with us forever. If the ewe lambs turn out to be healthy and strong with all their bits intact that they may go for breeding, you never know
DeleteGill
Dare I ask - do you keep them as pets or ...?
ReplyDeleteWhile they are not pets... yes they will go for meat at the end of the year...they will be loved and treated with the utmost respect and care while they are with us. The children will bottle and cuddle them for a few months. After that the rams can become strong and "bolshy" and pretty scary for the little ones.
DeleteGill
Mmmmm I'm thinking roast lamb already! You are lucky to live in sheep country, it would cost a fortune to buy lambs to fatten here. Whenever any of ours had triplets we used to bottle feed /top up as it was worth the time for the meat to sell.
ReplyDeleteWe would have done the same. we have always enjoyed rearing lambs and they have always been worth the extra effort. The guy who sold them to us doesn't live near the field his sheep are in.(He rents several fields across the district) so is unable to give the frequent care cade lambs need. Our gain ! If you ever fancy a few cades in the future we can always get them for you. We were offered more today, but four is enough for the land we have.
DeleteGill
That brings back memories, the last time I did that I had 2, called Silver and Jubilee, it was a long time ago.
ReplyDeleteThat wouldn't have been in 1977 perchance?!
DeleteI love the smell of them
Gill
Tried it one year Gill, never again. Lovely the first week when I felt really very much needed. After that - every time I opened the back door a chorus of bleats met me. They were lovely and I adored them - but golly, were they hard work.
ReplyDeleteThey can be demanding can't they? we learnt how to wean them pretty successfully over the years. The first cade lamb we had was still on one bottle a day when he went to the butcher!
DeleteGill