This year’s first lambs, born at mid-day today, a few days early. Interestingly the ewe, a second lamber, lambed on exactly the same day last year. Though young, she chose well – a good time of day for their shepherd and mild gentle weather for the lambs.
Being licked dry.
A few minutes later they attempt their first wobbly, unsteady steps.
Searching for the teat. One is a little eager and is sucking hard on his brother’s face!
17 comments
Comments feed for this article
February 28, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Mopsa
Ooh – it’s all go! The ewe looks so chilled about it all; “Birth? Yeah. Done that. It’s easy. Did it last year too. Good, innit?”
February 28, 2008 at 5:45 pm
mary
How beautiful. I have just come from reading about the deaths of children in Gaza, four young boys today and a baby boy yesterday as well as some other children, which is truly dreadful. Coming on to your page and reading this story of new birth, even though it’s of animals, and seeing how perfect the lambs are, was uplifting.
February 28, 2008 at 8:04 pm
heidi
I love how her ears are back, and she looks so calm about it all.Proud of her two little lambs.
It made me smile to see these pics. Congratulations! Are twins the norm for this breed?
It must be spring, My friend Donna’s sheep (Romney crosses) are dropping lambs as well at the moment. She is pretty happy, her new ram is a big boy and so are his offspring.
February 28, 2008 at 11:29 pm
colouritgreen
cool! – did they need any help, or did she manage it on her own?
February 29, 2008 at 7:56 am
Jane
Ahhhhhh! What more can I say? they are gorgeous. Jane
February 29, 2008 at 2:55 pm
paula
A piece of cake (or a good scoop of oats at the very least) mopsa…but for shepherd, now begins the night watch! Yawn…
February 29, 2008 at 2:58 pm
paula
I’m glad it raised the spirits for you Mary.
How horrific – war…I have very strong opinions on this, not the time or place here.
Today my lambs are not being born in such clement conditions – rain and wind, the worst.
February 29, 2008 at 3:02 pm
paula
No, not necessarily Heidi. They are classed as hill sheep and singles were the norm, but I guess over the years they have been selectively bred. This year mine are way down on the doubles with mainly singles. Due to the very wet summer last year.
February 29, 2008 at 3:12 pm
paula
Good to see you here colouritgreen. No help, she popped them out. This breed is pretty good at lambing and mothering – even two tooths.
Good luck with your lambing – hope to see you again.
February 29, 2008 at 3:13 pm
paula
It is a bit ahhhh – though every year it still thrills!
April 10, 2009 at 8:12 pm
David
Impressive photos. What breed are your sheep?
We just saw lambs being born at a farm in the Yorkshire Dales near us.
I posted some photos here at
http://www.quillcardsblog.com/index.php/2009/04/newborn-lambs-in-spring/
April 12, 2009 at 9:46 pm
paula
Thanks David, they are Whiteface Dartmoor – indigenous to Dartmoor.
Thanks for the link to your photos – they’re excellent. If you want to see this year’s lambs put sheep in the search box and it will come up with them.
October 26, 2009 at 11:28 pm
Abby
Just came across your blog via Dorset Cereals. What wonderful photos of your lambs! I was wondering, do you have any experience of hand-rearing lambs? We rescued a lamb (the ewe had twins and only one was feeding, and the “farmer” wasn’t interested), and she is now four weeks old and doing well (my blog has become mostly about her, and she has fans worldwide!!). But we need to begin to wean her but she shows little interest in creep feed, hay or grass…do you have any tips you could share? We have no experience of sheep at all so it’s all new to us! Thanks.
January 10, 2010 at 8:13 pm
Beverly Madley
Dear Paula
I stumbled on your website when looking for somewhere to photograph Whiteface Dartmoors for my animal portrait painting. I will be exhibiting at Princetown and West Putford shortly, which has prompted my interest in local breeds. Interestingly I was once commissioned by a neighbour to paint one of her Ruby Red Bulls, which you breed as well (not an easy subject). You also live close b to my cousin, Alison Read (a vet) at Kelly Farm.
Another coincidence is that you adore the Highlands near Lochinver and write poetry. We are returning there this year and staying at Achnahaird. It is the most beautiful place on earth and I can’t wait to climb Stac Pollaidh again and soak up that view.
Maybe I can photograph some of your sheep when I am in your area?
Best wishes
Beverly
January 11, 2010 at 10:21 am
paula
Hi there Beverley – What a load of happy coincidences and yes, of course you can come and photograph my sheep…though I must warn you that due to the last three waterlogged years and our excessively wet ground I’ve had to cut right down on sheep numbers. But I still have a small flock (they produce the best lamb ever and the most stunning fleeces and skins) and can point you in the direction of some large flocks on Dartmoor too.
Ah yes…the Western Highlands. I’m aching for a visit, which we’ll hopefully be able to fit in sometime this year. So special, so beautiful.
I’m so glad you found me. Hopefully we’ll meet in the not too distant future.
February 6, 2010 at 9:24 pm
Beverly Madley
Hi Paula
Thank you for your offer for me to photograph your Whiteface Dartmoors. I am in your area on 16th Feb at midday. I expect you will be busy with lambing.
March 22, 2010 at 12:47 am
Marianne
I couldn’t find where to just write you a note directly, so I am sending it in this comment section. I do not know about your deer emergency but the cat or fox screaming scenarios sound plausible. I just wanted to say I enjoy your writing and photos. I am new to blogging and wish I was as eloquent with words as many of the writers I am following. I am a city girl and am relatively new to farm life. I am doing my best to keep our animals alive on a small farm in western Oregon. I have been smitten with England for years and have always had this secret dream of moving there. However, I somewhat recently, at the ripe ole age of 45, found myself the most patient and kind husband, and he seems stuck on staying right here in the US of A. I have read David Kennard’s books about dogs, sheep and Devon and will have to be satisfied with periodic visits and living vicariously through blogs such as yours.
Hope you are healing well from your knee operation.
All the best – Marianne in Oregon