Three days old, and in need of exercise. Think Sheila was about to go a bit stir crazy if she had to stay in the jug (pen) much longer. It is a beautiful Sonoma County day, so it seemed just the right conditions to let the lambs out into the pasture and let them meet the rest of the flock. It is so pleasing to hear the little ones, and to watch the lambs run, jump, and prance all around the pasture, all the while sticking close to mama. If they get a little separated from her, they bleat loudly, and she answers them back. 
Earnestine, for no apparent reason, likes to butt the lambs down. (Last year, she was the ewe that rejected her lambs. Hope she is a better mom this year.) One time, I was feeding Sheila some grass so she was a bit distracted. Earnestine started to come over and harass the lambs. Guess Sheila wasn't too distracted. She immediately turned on Earnestine and rammed her head into her. What a good protective mama!
Later, I will protect the mama and the babies from predators by putting them back into the jug for the evening with some fresh alfalfa hay.
I don't understand why Earnestine does this exactly. She had better get used to the lambs though, because they are now part of the flock and more lambs are coming (including her own.) Maybe she is jealous? Maybe she just likes things the way they are and doesn't want any changes to her world. People can act this same way sometimes. Instead of a physical ramming (unless you're a teenage boy), we usually lash out with words, and unloving actions. Too much of this kind behavior can really hurt another person as well as ourselves and our community. Hope Earnestine gets over it soon so there can be harmony on The Derby Farm.
No comments:
Post a Comment