I had to leave the house this morning. Had too. Why? We separated the ewes and their lambs yesterday. I haven’t had to do this for the last few years because the mamas have weaned their lambs on their own when they had had enough. But this year our lambs are huge. Like, 60 pounds huge. And they are still nursing from their mamas.
I wouldn’t mind so much except that the ewes are getting painfully thin. Not having any meat on their bones makes them more susceptible to parasites, which is my number one concern. Also, we need to start getting these girls in shape to breed again in November. In addition to stopping the lambs from nursing and taking valuable calories from the ewes, they are also competing with the ewes for grain at the trough. That had to stop.
Yesterday evening, Maggie helped me move all the lambs and the adult males into the west pasture. I was expecting it to be a big production but we got everyone moved with no problem at all. The lambs immediately started grazing on the fresh pasture and everything was right with the world until one of them realized she couldn’t get back to her mama and lost her mind.
It’s perfectly normal for lambs and ewes to pine for each other for a couple of days when they are separated. I was expecting it. But I guess my nerves are particularly raw right now because I just couldn’t take it. The lambs plaintive cries all night long broke my heart and they continued this morning, even though the poor little things were losing there voices.
The lambs
The ewe plus Feenat.
I was tempted to let the lambs back in with Mamas this morning, because my heart was just breaking, but I knew I was doing the right thing by separating them. So I left. Grabbed my computer and my keys and went to Charlottesville for a couple of hours. By the time I got back, the lambs had settled in and were grazing quietly, the ewes were snoozing in the shade, and everything was right with the world again.
It’s been a harrowing 24 hours.
{ 24 comments… read them below or add one }
*hugs* Nothing more. Just a hug. Or two.
Ok. You did the right thing. Looking quickly I missed the photo captions and could barely tell from the size of them which ones were the lambs and which were the ewes.
But, I wouldn’t have stayed to listen to the crying either. That’s why so many doctors have made money writing books to tell parents how to let their infants cry through it.
Oh, I so understand. I’m glad you could get away from it for awhile.
wow, those lambs really know how to get to you. attention whores.
The ewes needed more than a day’s respite. You clearly did the right thing. It’s so hard, though, when the right thing is not an easy thing — and you have no way of explaining why or offering comfort to an animal in distress. Be at peace. You’re a responsible,caring shepherd to your whole flock!
You poor thing. Babies can be so pathedic. I would have caved… And bought more grain…
It’s so hard to be a mom, isn’t it? You did the right thing!
Weaning is SO hard…on everyone! Glad the worst is over.
Pooooooor babies.
Hiya, Feenat! How are ya doing, pretty girl?
I hope there’s a Starbucks in Charlottesville and you treated yourself to a giant Frapa-sumthin! Hugs Susie! Hugs!!
Poor things, and poor you, too. I’d have left, too.
The ewes look grateful…maybe it’s just me…
Oh man, you did the right thing. Good for you for leaving. They are fine and you are a wonderful shepherd, looking after their best interests the way you do. Being a mama is hard work and in this case the ewes aren’t the mamas, you are.
More hugs!
I live between two large cow farms and when they take away the calves…omg…you can’t open your windows those poor mamas are screaming for their babies…
ya know
i think/know as u do
that you did the right thing
those little babies knew they were tugging your strings
and
well
maybe the question of questions has finally been answered:
Q: If no ones around will the babies cry for their mama’s?
A: No way. No guilt. No way.
(just thinkin outloud sorta silly billy ponders)
Bless your heart – I would have had to leave too!
It would have busted me up too.Losing their voices…..I would have totally caved. I’m glad you were able to leave and grab some time away.
Keep up the great work!
You poor thing! I’m glad you got away for a little while until things settled down.
Oh dear, I’d have had to leave as well. Weaning day isn’t much fun at all! BTW, have I missed something – why is Feenat back in your herd? How is Erin? Update???
Luckily, my babies weaned me, and I never had to force them. But you did the right thing. The mamas look like I did last year when my oldest left for college! Everyone warns you about all the hard parts of raising babies – but they forget to tell you how hard teenagers are! I used to go to his room to just smell his smells. College was harder than kindergarten & weaning! Glad your lambs won’t have to go to college!
Once again you are demonstrating the cold harsh reality of what it takes to be a Farmer and/or a Shepherd. You have more strength than me for sure. Brava to you!
Tough things to do, done with love.
Weaning is hard. Just ask my 3 year old. He remembers.
Separation anxiety is hard.