Jamaica gave birth to Jericho Tuesday night.
It is a wonder how such a little bitty thing can push himself up onto such legs!
Once Mama had him licked clean his fleece was all curly and warm...
This birth answered for us, relatively new shepherds, when to intervene and when not.
If the lamb isn't nursing within 30 minutes...help is needed. The lamb's ability to process colostrom (so vital for a thriving baby!) decreases significantly within the first 16 hours of life.
Jericho needed some assistance latching on...but after that...his corkscrewing tail told all!
Little Lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?
Gave thee life, & bid thee feed
By the stream & o'er the mead;
Gave thee clothing of delight;
Softest clothing, wooly, bright;
Gave thee such a tender voice,
Making all the vales rejoice?
Little Lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?
W. Blake
I knew William Blake had a purpose in life beyond memorization in graduate school. Didn't think I'd actually get to see a little lamb of "my own" let alone get bags of fleece for gifts. Be still my heart! This one is another beauty! love, mim
ReplyDeleteAnd he's gaining weight so fast! He's a regular little chub-a-lub now!
ReplyDeletePoetry always pops into my head when I'm out on the farm...