We think we finally figured out the reason for Lambchop’s mysterious limp (see yesterday’s post).
Try as I might, I can't seem to get her weaned—not even after a week in a separate pen with nothing but hay, water, and her own thoughts. Lambchop is stubborn, determined, and apparently training for some kind of sheep-level Olympic sport. She’s about half the size of her mother and twice as wide. She’s developed a rather... creative technique for nursing, since she's too big to maneuver herself into the normal nursing position.
Here’s the scene:
She backs up about ten feet like a batter getting into the zone. She plants her feet—seriously, it looks like a bull squaring up for a charge—leans back just a smidge, takes a deep breath, and goes for it.
Head down.
Momentum building.
Eyes on the prize.
She takes aim and charges at full speed. Right before impact, she spreads her front legs wide and belly-flops into a full-speed slide, slamming into her mother’s udder with the force of a cannonball. The impact nearly knocks Mama Sheep sideways. Mom stumbles, looks vaguely offended, and then, like all long-suffering mothers, just sighs and continues on about her business.
And here I am watching this little wool missile launch herself across the pen like it’s completely normal. Now I'm no vet, but something tells me it might just be that front leg spread and full-body skid that’s messing up her shoulder. Just a hunch.
Still, I think she’s onto something. If TikTok ever discovers this move, it’s going viral. I’m calling it “The Funky Lamb.” Step 1: Back up. Step 2: Launch yourself like a bowling ball. Step 3: Skid on your belly into the heart of whatever problem you're trying to solve. Bonus points for dramatic flair.
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©2008 Sandy Davis | American Way Farm
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