Blessedfarmgirl's 2025 lambing/kidding journal

[fuzzi]

Watch out for herding breeds - some of them are so herding oriented genetically that they will move the sheep and goats back and forth all day. I knew a woman that had Border Collies that she trained for herding and showed in trials. She also raised sheep and had to kennel the Border Collies or they would herdher sheep around all day!

When I was about 9 I saw a book at the public library with a black and white dog on the cover. It was in the adult section but I borrowed it for the dog cover. The story was about farmers and small holders in the Lake District in northwest England. And inside the story I was introduced to the Border Collie, and its incessant drive to herd, anything. One of the puppies tries to herd stones in the yard, he's that driven. The book is Rex by Joyce Stranger if any of you are interested.

 

[blessedfarmgirl]

More pictures of Daphne!

Ok, maybe that was too many. And here's a couple more of her brother.

 

[blessedfarmgirl]

And here's what last night looked like for us! Lucy (Lulu) everyone's favorite and the sweetest ewe ever had ram/ewe twins. Of course she had an audience, no one wanted to miss her birth!

Something pretty special happened as well. My 11 year old sister has watched me pull many lambs and goats over the past few years, and last night when she ran inside and told me a lamb was stuck, she was prepared to watch again and help how she could. "I'll hold her head!" She offered. And I said "No, I'll hold her head."
And I guided her through it. She waited for the contraction, then pulled firmly and steadily and the lamb slid out after some effort from both of them. It was such a cool moment for all of us. The poor ewe got help with a giant-headed ewe lamb and my sister and I had a special moment where I got to teach her how to help a lamb into the world. I am so proud of her. These life skills and lessons will stay with her for the rest of her life.

Gemma and Steve, welcome to the world!
(My dad named Steve. )

 

[canesisters]

But I want a dog, too. One that can work with livestock.
View attachment 116748
Several years ago I fell in love with this breed, Lancashire Heeler. They're described as cattle dogs. I've been in contact with a breeder here in NC. She will watch for a puppy or juvenile that isn't good enough for breeding, will let me buy cheap.

And yes, they "do" sheep. And goats.

Lancashire Heeler Introduction

Adorable!!!!!

 

[Baymule]

Beautiful spotty lambs! I’m delighted for you.

Congratulations on the hard delivery and saving lambs and the mom. Having met your little sister, this was a golden moment for her. She’s all about the animals and this was a special occasion for her to learn valuable skills in animal husbandry. Well done little sister!

 

[SageHill]

Wow! That is really special. And a memory forever as it is one of the "firsts".