Today I'd like to introduce Ginger and Sassafras, our new Shetland lambs!
We first met them three weeks ago at the National Sheep Show at the Eastern States Expo in West Springfield, MA. They were raised by the Ludlam family at Windswept Farms in Michigan who were showing sheep that weekend.
We did not go to the show with a sheep shopping list. We went with a very specific mission: to pick up new sheep handling equipment (super light-weight aluminum panels for pens and a sorting gate). There was no plan to pick up more sheep.
So why did we buy two Shetland lambs? Honestly, I don't know.
While I was in the ladies room minding my own business, Mike wandered over to the sheep pens and became very good friends with the Ludlam's Shetlands. I don't think he had ever seen Shetlands before ("What are these guys? They're so tiny! They're so friendly!").
We hung out with the Shetlands, who wanted lots of pats and neck scratching, then we wandered around the rest of the show sheep pens and eventually came back to the cute little Shetlands. I tracked down the owner and, to make a long story short, we ended up with this pair of ewe lambs the next day.
They are inquisitive, friendly munchkins with gorgeous fleeces. At my local farm store I had trouble finding a sheep halter small enough to fit their pin sized heads. It turned out that the cat aisle offered the right solution. A 14" cat halter (with a few extra holes since it was still too big!) is the best answer for a Shetland lamb.
Ginger
Sassy
Mike and I love hanging out with the girls. They are in quarantine until we get health clearance from our vet (OPP testing and clean fecal samples). Then we'll put them in with our ewe lambs. Crackerjack has already noted the new arrivals.
I promise more pics soon, just wanted to share the news about their arrival.
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Thank you to everyone for your kind words and condolences on our losses of Daphne and Butch. The cards, comments and emails mean a lot to us. Mike and I truly appreciate your understanding and support.
Unfortunately we had another loss this past week: Buttercup, one of our original Cormo ewes. We had to have the vet come and put her down. She had been doing poorly for a while, losing weight, not eating well.
The vet determined that her molars were missing which explains why she was unable to properly chew grass or hay or pellets to a digestible size. Putting her down was the kindest thing to do. Poor old girl. She was a sweetie and has left us with many daughters and grand-daughters, all as gentle as she was. She was the nicest tempered and most maternal of our original Cormo sheep from Alice Field.
This summer has been a sobering reminder that our farm is home to a fair number of senior flock members. Right now everyone is down near the barns. Once this heat wave breaks, we will keep the "grannies" closer to the barn. The rest of the adults will migrate back to the uphill pastures.
The Shetland girls are so sweet and I love their names! You needed some of that given all of the losses at the farm. The harnesses look like Gentle Leaders-lol. I'm so sorry about Buttercup.
Posted by: Manise | July 21, 2011 at 04:59 PM
Good for you!! I am glad you have something new & fun. They look so cute & sweet! I was reading up on Shetlands & saw "In the UK as a whole the wool is prized by handspinners." I will be hoping for some Shetland roving. :-)
Posted by: Ellen | July 21, 2011 at 06:40 PM
Barb your new babies are adorable. So sorry for another big loss. I guess that is part of farm life, but it is never easy.
Hugs to you,
Meredith
Posted by: Meredith | July 21, 2011 at 07:21 PM
What cuties! what sweet looking little girls. I love their coloring. Looking forward to more pictures when you have the time.
so sad about Buttercup - she'll live on through her children!
I hope everyone is holding up ok with the heat - goodness - it's tough. And you and Mike take care of yourselves too. I think quality knitting time in AC is in order :)
Posted by: Torre in MD | July 21, 2011 at 10:05 PM
Evan & I just love these little girls - very sweet faces and huggability galore! They have found a happy home with you and the flock.
We are so sorry to hear about Buttercup. Your hearts have taken a tough ride this summer - may the days ahead bring you comfort and happy hearts with your new family members. Hugs!
Posted by: Lori | July 22, 2011 at 06:56 AM
They are so cute -- I hope the fleece is as soft as it looks.
I'm sorry about Buttercup -- but happy knowing her sweet-nature lives on.
Posted by: Joan | July 22, 2011 at 07:08 AM
I'm sorry you lost Buttercup. It's good that her spirit lives on in her offspring.
Sassy and Ginger look so cute!
Posted by: R Clark 2 u | July 22, 2011 at 12:00 PM
Barb, My husband and I have been known to do the same thing when visiting the Dakin Animal Shelter. Enjoy!
Posted by: karoline | July 25, 2011 at 02:45 PM
i am so sorry to hear of your losses. the additions will be wonderful. it is the circle of life (cliche i know but as i am faced with my mother's illness and impending passing, i believe in the circle. my granddaughter emma is my strength as are your new additions). I can't wait for another sheep shares with their addition.
Posted by: c vanderloos | July 25, 2011 at 08:59 PM
Welcome to the world of Shetlands! Be careful though, they are addicting!!! :)
Posted by: Corinne Rasso | July 26, 2011 at 02:47 PM
Sassy and Ginger look like really sweet girls. Congratulations!
Posted by: Denise | August 02, 2011 at 10:36 AM
I lost my link to your blog last November when I lost my computer to a storm. Of course I had bookmarks to lots and lots of lost web pages. While going over the list of them I had built back up last week I realized I didn't have the wonderful sheep blog and had no idea the name. After google searching through New England sheep farms as I was sure that was where you were with no luck. Today I went with sheep farm blogs and on the 7th page of them there you were. So happy to have found you again but so sad to hear of all your losses. Good luck with your search for a new goat and your eventual hunt for a retriever. I'd be lost with out mine.
Again I'm so glad to have found you.
Posted by: Karen | August 02, 2011 at 09:26 PM