Keeping It Country

What do I do?

2009-03-30T07:01:00.000-07:00

I am new to bottle-feeding lambs. And this is how it came about.

I worked with the mom and the lamb for 2 days. And quite frankly it wore me and my husband out.
My husband will be building a holding pen for the ewes next time, if and when this issue arises again.
The ewe just had no interest in her lamb. We would hold the ewe for him to suck and she would just kick and buck. And if she got away would go after the lamb to head butt it. So we held her down for a few feedings and the last time after we let her up she charged me with the lamb in my arms and jumped in the air and head butted me with the baby. We decided that was enough.

We took the baby inside to bottle feed him. He got the scours but it is getting thicker like snot. (I hope this means it's getting better). I took him to the vet to see where his colostrums level were and it was 4.5 supposed to be 5.5. So we have to give him shots for the next 7 days to build up his immune system.
He now stays in the house at night and outside in a small pen during the day under a watchful eye. I also take him to the pasture to spend time with the other sheep.
I have no idea if I am doing anything right. I just know that I need him to not have the runs anymore. I give him water between feedings and I do try not to over feed. To be honest, I am tired and my husband is at work this week. My daughter is at home this week to watch him. I don’t know if I am doing right by him or harming. I want to leave him with the other sheep but I don’t trust that he will do well. I love this little guy. If anyone has advice please advise.

Bottle Feeding

2009-03-25T12:41:00.000-07:00

What more do I need to say. It has been 3 days and 2 nights with very little sleep. Today happens to be runny bottom day. I have placed several pampers on Thor and well.... it's just not holding the yuk in. Needless to say my new pink robe I got for Christmas is officially broke in and Thor's saving grace is that he is totally adorable. I do not have the heart to place him outside alone. So he sleeps in the laundry basket next to my bed. During the day he goes outside with me and my husband of course and then to the pasture to meet the other sheep. My husband leaves for work Friday and help me baby Jesus I will be alone. Nothing brings two people closer then the sound of a small little voice in need of attention. It breaks my heart and I curse his mom but I would not have it any other way. Life has a funny way of challenging us. I didn't want a pink robe anyway. Just kidding honey!!!!

Mary Had a Little Lamb

2009-03-24T09:19:00.000-07:00

Whose fleece was white as snow? Okay I know I am getting a little korny. But I just love nursery rhymes.
MaryJane had her first lamb March 23rd. Unfortunately he is a bottle-lamb. We named him Thor. Thor is Scandinavian god of thunder, we just thought he was worthy of such a strong name.

BAA BAA Black sheep

2009-03-24T09:01:00.000-07:00

Have you any wool? Yes sir, Yes sir 3 bags full.
Our first lamb of the year. Zoey our newest edition to the farm, had a little black ram March 19th.
We named him Gizmo, partly because he has a white patch on his head and he reminded us of the 1984 movie Gremlins.

FARM NAMES

2008-08-25T12:46:00.000-07:00

Has anyone else had as much difficulty as I have had choosing a name?
I wanted it to include everything I loved and felt about my farm. However it wound up so long that you got tongue twisted saying it.
I finally narrowed it down to "Fowlers Ewenique Farm" everything about it is unique. And it just so happens I raise Baby Doll sheep.