We had ourselves a little Veteran’s Day surprise this year. Well... maybe not a complete surprise. More like a “Yep, saw that coming” kind of surprise.
Back in mid-June, Bruce—the ram—decided to go full Romeo and busted through a 4-foot livestock fence supported by metal posts. Not exactly a small feat, but then again, rams are nothing if not determined when romance is in the air.
Now, knowing Bruce as we do, we figured he wasn’t launching an escape mission just for the joy of it. Rams aren’t wanderers; they’re opportunists. And sure enough, the next morning we found him being... let’s say... very attentive to Sweetpea, a lovely, dark gray Columbia/Rambouillet cross who clearly caught his eye—and possibly his nose—from across the field.
Bruce was promptly returned to his own pasture, and we reinforced the fence with electric wire on his side to curb any future Casanova stunts. And for a while, all was calm. But as many a parent of a teenager can tell you: it only takes one night of passion to create a long-term commitment.
Fast-forward five months, and just as we’re settling into November and the last of the leaves are dropping, bam—a new lamb arrives. In freezing temperatures, of course. Because no one ever delivers conveniently on a 60-degree afternoon with sunshine and iced herbal tea.
Cue the emergency setup. Out came the 250-watt heat lamp, casting its glowing red spotlight on our new little oops. And just like that, we were back to our favorite springtime sport—watching the electric meter spin like it’s training for the Olympics.
Sweetpea is doing fine, baby is adorable, and Bruce… well, he’s been strutting around like he’s responsible for the Second Coming of Sheepdom.
Moral of the story? Love breaks fences, timing is everything, and sheep don’t care what month it is as long as the mood is right.
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©2008 Sandy Davis | American Way Farm
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