It's that rather special time of year when lambing starts (for the breed of sheep we keep). After last year's disasterous lambing (of our small flock of 4 Portland Sheep we lost 2 lambs, one ewe, and nearly lost our ram too), we've been holding our breath to see what happens.
Because we let our ram run with the ewes pretty much all year round, it's anyone's guess as to when that actual lambing will begin. We bought in 3 more ewes late last year to up the numbers of our dwindled flock, and have had some exciting and unexpected moments in between. For example when our neighbour's randy and determined ram, Ricky, broke through boundary hedges to come and pay our ladies a visit! After having his way with the girls, and a couple of rounds of vicious head-butting with our rather more timid boy, Ricky was caught, and taken back home! Leaving us to wonder has to who would be the sire of our lambs, we hadn't bargained on having Portland x Pole Dorset babies.
So far so good, as to date we've had two healthy little ram lambs born over the past week (who are 100% Portland, I am relieved to add), and are waiting on our 3 remaining ladies to give birth! Touch wood! I can't wait to see the littluns all gambolling about and bouncing and cavorting as only lambs can. 'Spring' will definitely be in the air!
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