Disappearing lamb

Lambey disappeared. literally. At 8.00 pm she was outside munching on grass, 10.00 she had disappeared. No sign of her at all. She could have wandered off but she was still a bit wobbly on her legs, or something could have got her. But what? She was with the three other lambs, and they were where they were at 8.00 so couldn’t have been chased by a dog or fox. All the chickens were out and ducks and nothing had disturbed these. So a bird maybe? We have barn owls, but Lambey was about 15kg – a bit big for a barn owl? or maybe a badger, but I wasn;t aware that we had any. We’ve had a good look around and no sign of her. Very strange.

Spot has scour and was a bit quiet this morning so we grabed her and gave her a dose of anti biotics. We also put some ‘spot on’ on her to guard against fly strike as her rear end was rather unpleasent. I had carried her up to the house before I realised quite how unpleasant it was – and indeed I was after picking her up.

Tiny was in to see us this morning. He comes up for a little cuddle.

Had to get Genghis’s head out of the fence several more times. Also had to rescue one of our sheep who had got herself crammed into a tiny recess in the wall probably to shelter from the rain – and then could not get out. She wasn’t making a fuss, just sat there looking out. Her lamb is getting quite big now and she was probably glad of the rest.

9 ducklings are doing well. They seem quite happy doing little runner duck runs, and throwing themselves into the water every time it is put down.

There is no sign of broodiness from any of the chickens, even though they have a lovely looking nest in their house trying to tempt them. Silkies are supposed to go broody at the drop of a hat and that is a ‘problem’ with them for people who keep them for eggs, however ours seem quite happy to wander round the garden or hide under the shed and not brood a clutch of eggs for us.

Petal is in season and this upsets all the pups. And her. She spends the time sat on top of the table in the utility area as the boys can’t get up there (Petal and Tinks are very springy dogs). I think she will be glad when her special magic has worn off.

We are currently looking for a Gloucester Old Spot weaner. Or two. We are looking for a pig which roots a lot and we will use them to turn over the big field which is very nettley and thistley. Having seen loads advertised before now, there have been none around since we have started looking. Seen a couple of other weaners, but these have been ones where they say they do not root much – and of course we don’t want non rooting piglets.

Tried to feel crumpets undercarriage this morning for signs of babies. She didn’t like it so not sure what that means. Should be due next week if there are any there.

Ian has been working at Bridge End where there have been some odds and ends to do. Very happy with our tennants there so important to keep them happy.