Birth

159, a two year old ewe and a first time mother, gives birth in the yard.  I watched her circle, lay down and stretch as she contracted.   She got the two front hooves out and the nose of the lamb in a normal presentation.   After more contractions her progress slowed—the lamb was large—I would help her deliver it.

She let me get close to her as do many ewes in delivery.  I knelt beside her and pulled one hoof forward, then the other, unlocking the knee joints.  I grasped both legs and pulled them down in a circular fashion toward her hooves—out came the lamb.  Like the proverbial spanking of a newborn, I swung the lamb forward and dropped it before her nose.  It was still for a moment then shook its head and took it's first breath.  159 began to lick her lamb

All was well.  But it was to snow later that night; Dominique took the lamb and held it like a carrot before the mother to draw her along as she walked to the barn. Sheltered from the elements, 159 would dry the lamb with her tongue then get it to her teat for it's first nourishment.

A day later we find a good mother and a good boy who will grow into a big Saxon Merino ram.

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Here the lamb is at 6 days of age.