John is trying to convince the ewes here at Struan Farm to move into the new paddock we've taken over from the neighbour at the end of the Old Road near the river. Nephew Mike has finished the fencing, so it's ready for them. They're just afraid to go through the gate; they haven't been into that paddock before.
John has led them down, calling, on the quad bike. They've followed him down the Old Road but refused to go into the paddock. A few days ago we decided to take a morning walk and try to convince them once again.
Of course Rosie, Cookie and Ruby were in the lead. The whole mob came down, even Sugar, Spice and Bubbles. The other four pet lambs (Peaches, Fig, Chalk and Pickle) remain segregated happily by themselves in our front roadside pet paddock so they aren't anywhere near the rams when "tupping" happens in early autumn.
But only Rosie, Cookie and Ruby went through the gate! No one else would go. And when John and I turned around to walk back, everyone followed us back up the Old Road. It was funny but frustrating. We want them in that paddock eating everything down. They love Queen Anne's Lace and wild fennel, so that should be a draw card.
These things take time it seems. Even a new paddock full of grass and good food. Rosie did suggest to John that he have Mike do some weed whacking of a better track through the paddock, and she may have a point. I was a bit hesitant myself.
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