Weaning lambs, a proper crook and greedy hay thieves...

We have been weaning the lambs at Willowford, after gathering them all into the big barn we separate the lambs from the ewes. Without a drafting gate it’s just a case of getting hold of them and guiding them through a gate to a different pen. They are big lambs and its hard work; we take turns tackling and opening the gate so as not to get too worn out. I still manage to get a good kicking from one lamb though. The ewes are staying in the barn, it’s important to put them on concrete when the lambs are weaned for about 24 hours. This helps the milk to dry up quicker and helps prevent mastitis which is horrible. It can make it easier as well if they are out of earshot of their lambs, although expect a lot of baaing. We then have to move the lambs to clean pasture. They move as a group well but trying to get them in the small triangle field on the other side of the wall is very difficult. They don’t really understand where they are supposed to be going and it is a small gap. They went over the wall instead of behind it several times. As with many things with sheep a lot of patience is required. Eventually they went in and were enjoying the lush new grass.

I’ve been bought a present. I am now the proud owner of a proper crook, which I have been testing out. I tried to catch one of the lambs with it who had a bit of a sore foot. Right, get hook around lamb’s neck. Pull lamb towards me to grab hold of. Lamb swings me round in a circle and escapes. After two attempts and being swung around like a top (to much laughter) the lamb runs out of patience with me and bolts and I have to give up. I think there is some trick I’m missing.

The cattle are in the big Tarraby field and the ewe’s are in the Hay Meadow, not normally a problem but the cattle have learnt that the small shed in the Hay Meadow has hay in it. We have tied gates to the front to stop them getting in but that hasn’t stopped them sticking their heads through and eating the hay. I may have mentioned that Longhorns have a very pointy end. Comedy ensues when two ewes decide they want some hay and squeeze into the shed. The cattle push the Tarraby gate open and head straight for the shed. We now have two trapped ewes in the shed and two cows munching on the hay outside. Why they want the hay when there is lots of lovely fresh grass is beyond me. When I shoo the cows (two of the H’s; Hazel and Hadley) away from the shed, two very relieved ewes bolt out of the shed to join the flock. Which then proceeds to charge into Tarraby field. We now have a mixture of sheep and cattle which I have no hope of unravelling without the help of at least one dog and possibly several people. It won’t hurt them to be together and its best they are away from the troublesome shed in the Hay Meadow!