At last, our new Shetland lambs can play with the rest of the flock. After passing muster with our vet, they spent a day sharing adjacent pens in the barn with our Cormo ewe lambs (and Mistral, Georgia, Arial and Crackerjack). Everyone got to sniff each other. Then we opened up the gates and let them mingle.
It felt a little like sending children out into the school yard on the first day of school.
Sassy and Ginger were eager to mix it up with the big sheep.
The Cormo ewe lambs seem to think, "Cool, more lambie friends! Check out there fancy fleeces."
The lambs were running in circles, sniffing each other. It was hard to get a decent pic. This shot gives you an idea of the size difference in two distinctly different sheep breeds. These lambs are all roughly the same age.
All went smoothly until Mistral (below, left) came over to inspect the new kids.
"Oh no, someone cuter than me!" Bash, bash, bash.
My hopes for harmony went out the window. So curious that Mistral, who as a lamb was rejected by her own mother (Helena 2010) was so aggressive toward the newcomers. Good grief, what a bully. She is clearly the dominant ewe of this little flock and was making that very clear to our new arrivals.
Sassy was very curious about Crackerjack, but he seemed to be giving them the cold shoulder too.
Things settled down when I sent everyone out to the pasture. Perhaps it was my mistake for not making the introductions out in the field, rather than at the barn. I had no idea Mistral would be so territorial and such a bully. She's now fully accepted the Sheltlands. I saw them napping in front of the barn fans early this afternoon. No more angst. Everyone is now playing nicely (both out in the field and in the barn).
Glad to read that your newcomers are settling in.
Diane L./Bloomington,IN
Posted by: Diane | August 07, 2011 at 06:11 PM
So funny.
Mistral has been a bit spoiled..... Hopefully she'll let it go and just accept the newcomers. They do look so cute together.
Posted by: Joan | August 07, 2011 at 07:36 PM
Barb, so glad everyone is happy and getting along. you must have felt like a nervous new mother at play group.
Happy Sunday,
Meredith
Posted by: Meredith | August 07, 2011 at 08:12 PM
Wow, Mistral certainly was asserting herself with the Shetland girls! Glad things have smoothed out and that all is well now.
Posted by: Manise | August 07, 2011 at 09:08 PM
Interesting how some animals behave in the face of change. I'm glad that all is better now, and that late night sleep-overs are a strong possiblity among the girls. Love your pictures!
Posted by: lisa mcguire | August 07, 2011 at 10:29 PM
I'm glad to hear things have settled down!
There is quite a size difference. I don't recall your plans for their fiber. Do you know how you're going to use it? And, aren't there guard hairs you have to sort out?
Posted by: R Clark 2 u | August 07, 2011 at 10:56 PM
Oh, those sweet little faces! Too precious :). If Mistral needs a "timeout" we'll take her here :)!!! I bet she just wanted to make sure they knew who the "Queen" was...
Posted by: Lori | August 08, 2011 at 09:58 AM
They are all just so cute!
Posted by: Rachel | August 08, 2011 at 10:19 AM
I'm so glad everyone is now playing nicely. It really is like the new kid at school. You just never know how everyone will be accepted. I'm anxious to learn about and follow the Shetlands, especially since they arrived from my great state of Michigan.
Posted by: Cheryl Adams | August 08, 2011 at 12:14 PM
Well goodness, I'm glad they got it all worked out! Sassy and Ginger are very cute - love their coloring. Nice to see them all grazing peacefully by the end of the day!
Posted by: torre | August 08, 2011 at 10:54 PM
What a relief, the Shetlands look so different from the other sheep, and I was curious to see how they would get along. Shocked by Mistral - I remember the tender care you took with her, but glad to see that all is well. She still holds a special place in my heart.
Posted by: Jean | August 13, 2011 at 03:33 PM