MY Sheep

My gander/sheep affiliation continues to amuse and amaze me. Three of the ewes and the gander were munching on a hay bale when I came by. The gander immediately came to attention.

He then pointedly strutted out from behind the bale, crossed in front of me to the other side of the yard...

to protect the ewe hanging out with the chickens. I might be willing to attack a lone ewe, but everyone knows I'm not going to mess with a Toulouse gander.

Strange Companions

My lone gander has adopted my sheep. Instead of hanging with the other Toulous trio, he hangs with the ewes. The five of them browse the woods for berry leaves, nibble on the remaining grass, and steal hay from the horses (often ignoring the hay I put out for them). 

I've been trying to get photos of them for awhile, and finally found an opportunity. These turned out more interesting than I realized, as they show why the sheep hang with the goose - what these very different creatures offer each other. 

Notice in the first shot the ewe seems unaware of my presence - but the goose is already watching. In the following shots, the ewes are looking just where the goose is. He's their early warning system. The sheep, I assume, offer the gander the safety of being in a group.

 

Peaceful Moments...

I stopped to take a picture of my peacefully napping sheep (don't worry, they are scheduled to be sheared soon). Notice that most of them are looking at me.

Their attention starts to shift...

As a goose takes exception to them lolling in his territory.

He's got two up, and is working on a third...

More Snow

I thought I should find my sheep, since the snow is deeper than they are tall. When I couldn't find a horse path to follow the snow was past my knees. My boots aren't. When I stopped and turned I ran into Zander, who was following my path. The sheep were all at the bottom of the hill with the round bale of hay, and although they were looking longingly up in hopes I had grain, they seemed in good health and were all above the snow.

The chickens really didn't know what to do with themselves.

The car was almost invisible in the snow. My painter called to say he wouldn't be here because he couldn't find his truck.

The Peafowl wanted nothing to do with this day, deciding it was better to stay in the tree.

I took the quad down the hill - woo hoo! I love my quad. Getting back up proved more problematic than going down, but I got it up and parked, and myself inside, although cold, tired, and very, very wet. It rained most of the time I was out.

Alert!

I heard the very strange alert call the Alpacas make, and they were at attention, staring towards the next field. What could have claimed their attention?

The yearling ram I had moved into their field on his way back to the rest of the sheep. He's very small, a long way away, and minding his own business. Alpacas don't miss much.

Lambs!

Babies are so adorable. These lambs are so innocent, enjoying spring grass and a sunny day.

Lamb Tales

It's sunny and warm. Moms are busy. What shall we do?

Let's kick up our heels!

Whew, that was exciting! Let me just get my balance back...

Hmm, this smells good. Maybe I can eat it.

Excuse me, I'm a princess. I have attendants. I don't kick up heels, I look beautiful. 

Farm Scenes

Scenes From a Sunny Day

Role reversal?

The Watcher

Perhaps I am carrying grain...

Napping in a pool of sunshine

New Lambs

Lambs are too cute. Two were born this morning. Both are doing well, although one seems better adjusted than the other.

This little one has a coat of lanolin that will probably get licked off soon. Mom seems quite sure of who her lamb is.

However, the lamb is unconvinced about Mom. She keeps going up to anyone and everyone, trying to nurse.

While this little lamb is quiet and comfortable and self-assured. Already cleaning herself.

Lambs!

Lambs are so very cute. I'm always amazed at how quickly they start supplementing their liquid diet with hay.

Lamb #1 enjoying fresh hay. Her face markings are getting darker.

And her companion gives her plenty of room.

Life is good when you are belly-deep in food.

Lamb #2 keeps approaching all other animals to see if they'll feed her too. She moves away very quickly when they refuse with a shake of the leg. She's also nibbling on hay.

Isn't she sweet? 

Lost Sheep Saga

I was having trouble keeping weight on my oldest ewe. She was pregnant, and it seemed she couldn't compete with everyone else to get enough food. So I let her outside the gates, where there is lots of grass and browse, and where I could give her grain I knew she'd get. I'd let her out in the morning, she'd come back to be let in at night. Until 3 days ago.

Three days ago, the ewe didn't show up to be let in. I couldn't find her. The next day I walked through every accessible part of this property. I found the placenta, and footprints of both ewe and lamb, but I couldn't find them. Yesterday when I was under the power lines calling her, I thought "Wait - I'm an animal communicator. I just need to contact her!" Duh. So I did. She was OK. I told her to come home, to meet me back at the double gates. I was very disappointed that evening when she did not show up.

Today as it was starting to get dark and I was beginning my evening feeding, I heard the dogs all sound off. Some intruder was around. I looked down the hill after Charlie, and saw a ewe and lamb at the gate. The double gates. I ran down the hill to let them in. They stood there looking at me, as if to say "Well, you ASKED us to come here, now let us in!" So I did. Charlie couldn't wait to check them both out.

The lamb is fat and cute as can be. The ewe is in better weight than 3 days ago. Other than smelling a bit of skunk, she's fine. I have no idea where she was. But I know why she came back - I asked her to. I just forgot to put a time on it. 

Lambcakes

One week old and already sampling the hay. She wouldn't look directly at me once I got the camera out, but I love her face markings.

Sunny Welcome

Born as the weather cleared, this little lamb has a few days of sun ahead. She's eating well, carefully following her mama around.

First Lamb

This little ewe showed up today. Hopefully I'll have some better pics tomorrow, when it isn't raining. She looks healthy and is eating well.

Local Community

On cold days everyone loves the hay.

Afternoon siesta. 

And eventually everyone shows up.