LAMB TIME

Our lambs all came in a bunch this year, so we had mommas and babies in most of the stalls of the barn and one outdoor pen, occasionally also a dog kennel.   After they have a chance to bond as a group and I have a chance to do all the tagging and banding, they have to be moved back to the pasture, going through the barn. Here Kip is helping me do that — without him they pretty much just stand and look at me or swirl around in a circle to avoid leaving their lambs.

They must be approached cautiously to keep the ewe from getting defensive.  

I move Kip a little closer and have him down.

The ewe decides going through the barn aisleway is safe and leads her lambs off. We can't use force or go fast, we just make the one place we want her to go look like her best option.

The last lamb on its way, and out to join the rest of the flock. 

We empty out 4 pens and only one ewe gives us any trouble — she charges Kip and he nips her on the head, then I back him off and she moves out.