More lambing

There's little more life affirming and entertaining than watching a mob of lambs frolicking.

“The mothering, that’s the secret.” says Steve Hatherley, Devon livestock farmer.  Poor Steve, I’m sure he'd hate me to quote him, but I overheard him say that, and it makes good sense. 

It’s the intense mothering, especially in the first few hours and days of life, that really seems to make a difference.

 I've left Devon now and I’m heading homeward.

I’ve just heard that triplets arrived in the lambing shed last night - without my assistance! 

I hold my hands up, I’m a complete beginner to the world of lambing.  Yet, I've watched several births now and it’s captured my imagination.   

I’ve great respect for shepherds, especially those who have worked with sheep for generations, it’s such an ancient skill.  I wonder how they went about lambing centuries ago, and how much it’s changed over time?

I think that the skill lies in knowing when to intervene and how to intervene effectively.  I saw a breech birth that could have been dangerous for both the ewe and the lamb, yet it was handled quickly and effectively by an experienced shepherd.

If the ewe is allowed to give birth naturally, without any human intervention, just maybe standing by, her instinct is so strong to get on with the mothering, just as Steve said. 

Both ewe and lamb seem to recover and get on much better.

The moment when the lamb lifts its head on its own is miraculous.  It’s such a clear sign of life, and its first bleat, and when it staggers to its feet and attempts to suckle.   

An incredible feat of nature.

As is the intense focus the ewe has on her lamb.

What amazes me about lambs and lambing is how quickly they turn from being a slithery body lying on the ground to bouncing, frolicking lambs charging about with thier mates in the mob. 

Jumping, twisting, bucking, overflowing with the juice and joy of spring.

Getting involved with lambing was time well spent, now homeward bound, back to my own family and Moss.

AJK