This season's ewe pet lambs Jam & Jelly, Bambi, and Camilla & Fergie are living the high life here at Struan Farm. They have been given our front roadside "Pet Paddock" as their exclusive territory, and are kept separate from the main mob of ewes. Really because we want them to mature for a year before they have an encounter with the ram, a process called "tupping" that is happening right now. Some farmers believe this is better from an animal welfare standpoint, and it's what John's dad always did so we continue the practice. A ram has been out with the ewes for several months now doing his thing.
The tight five are quite amusing to watch. They move around the paddock as a little pack, and come running to the fence or gate when they see my car or a person, since this tends to mean apple treats all around. Four of the five are now snarfing down apples as quickly as I can feed them. Camilla has remained aloof on this score, her choice really. But it's good to keep them socialised since it helps us move the mob around the farm when they join it. Jelly follows me around when I'm gathering walnuts and figs, she's turned into quite the mummy's lamb.
Of course pet ewes Rosie, aka The Queen Bee, Ruby and Cookie lead the mob currently and will continue to do so, provided they receive a sufficient amount of apple treats in payment. Pet ewes Pip and Pepper were never into apples but tend to cooperate when I ask (okay, Pepper maybe not just on principle).
Before we know it lambing and the next round of little darlings will be upon us, won't it?
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