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A few years ago, we had a Dorper ram. He was gorgeous - in a shepherd's kind of way. He didn't have good wool but his conformation was admirable. His babies were beautiful. Many "holstein" looking lambs and many twins. Nice legs. Fast growth. Only problem was the Dorper crosses couldn't handle our soil which is rather wet and full of clay. Dorpers come from South Africa where the soil is different. We culled (that means got rid of) most of his babies and him too. We still have a few Dorper-cross ewes. They are great moms. They milk great, twin often. Milking great means quick growth for the lambs. Too bad they have some foot problems. The few Dorper crosses we have left look like "holstein cows." Their wool is awful even if it is polka dotted and looks cool on the ewe. This morning one of them had this set of twins - one much bigger than the other.
A few years ago, we had a Dorper ram. He was gorgeous - in a shepherd's kind of way. He didn't have good wool but his conformation was admirable. His babies were beautiful. Many "holstein" looking lambs and many twins. Nice legs. Fast growth. Only problem was the Dorper crosses couldn't handle our soil which is rather wet and full of clay. Dorpers come from South Africa where the soil is different. We culled (that means got rid of) most of his babies and him too. We still have a few Dorper-cross ewes. They are great moms. They milk great, twin often. Milking great means quick growth for the lambs. Too bad they have some foot problems. The few Dorper crosses we have left look like "holstein cows." Their wool is awful even if it is polka dotted and looks cool on the ewe. This morning one of them had this set of twins - one much bigger than the other.
We decided to pen them for the first day or two. To do this, you pick up the lambs and wait for the mama to follow.
She did. It was snowing outside so all the ewes were in the barn.
We use wire hog panels which are nice and flexible. We can easily make temporary pens for mamas and babies.
Here they are in a nice fresh bed of straw. Happy and ready to nurse.
Such a cute little face.
Lamb Count: 40
Lamb Count: 40
11 comments:
They do look really cute. It looks like it would be pretty warm inside the temporary barn! I think I could fall asleep fairly quickly on a nice bed of hay.
These little guys are precious. It's a shame they don't do well with your soil. Oh well, I guess we can just enjoy them for what they are!
They are cute. Still keeping records I see, count went from 29 Wednesday to 40 on Thursday.
any little lamb is precious in HIS eyes!
^)^ linda
So sweet...I can't wait until we begin lambing on our farm.
They sure do look adorable! The count is 40! Babies, babies everywhere.
Pam H
I love reading about lambing season! I'm cooped up in an office, and all that fresh new life is such a boost. Thanks for sharing Kristin!
Wow - that's a lot of lambs in a day. You're busy. Beautiful lambs and all of them so well looked after - they're lucky. We have snow - yay - no college today, so lots of time for baking & quilting! Flora Puddleduck very puzzled by all the white stuff!
Awww I love farmer boy's hat too. xo
Loving seeing photos of the new farm family members and hearing how it's all going. Well wishes to Julia!
Hope you all stay healthy and as warm as possible, considering what must be done outside each day!
Oh, the cuteness increases every day! I must say the Farmer looks a bit tired, though. Hope the weather doesn't get too cold for you this week! Arctic blasts are coming for us in Maine.
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