One more lamb

Butterball (Romney) gave birth to twins this morning, both were female however only one made it. The second was fully formed and was either still born or died soon after, Butterball had made no attempt to clean off the goup from birthing. We think that Zeus, Paris' male lamb from 2010 is the father. Butterball, the ewe, only seems to bond with the first lamb. Last year she had twins and bonded with the female and then rejected the male even pushing him away when he tried to feed. We helped him along by supplementing with a bottle and eventually she accepted him. We had thought that Butterball was mentally challenged, but we now think that Butterball may be blind, although she copes remarkably well if she is.

Black Lambs

Mini (Romeldale) gave birth to a black lamb on Wednesday afternoon in the walnut orchard, the father is Mel (CVM). Mini is quite a nervous ewe and took a lot of coaxing to get lamb and ewe in the barn. They both are very content now warm and safe in the barn stall.
The following day, Ruby (Romeldale) gave birth to twins, the father is Mel (CVM). This is the third year that she has produced twins, Mini and Morris were her first. She is also quite nervous but a very good mother.
They grow up fast though, Paris' twins after a week are very lively, constantly investigating and curious. Even trying some of mom's food.

Magazine photo shoot

A Flair For Fiber
Debra's fiber appeared in the Hobby Farm Home magazine article - A Flair For Fiber (March 2011 issue). The article by Cherie Langlois profiles three fiber artists from across the US. The lead photo is a close up of one of Debra's shawls and custom blended ball of fleece. Photographer, Rhoda Peacher, visited our stall at Orenco Station farmers market in October to capture the wonderful images of Debra's yarn and felted fish. Later on, Rhoda visited the farm, camera in hand, and our sheep always oblige to have their photo taken when offered some grain (we call it their candy).
Place mouse over small photos to see expanded image.
Photos used with kind permission of Rhoda Peacher.

Place mouse over small photos to see expanded image.
Photos used with kind permission of Rhoda Peacher.