Hard start to the 2026 lambing.
My oldest ewe (8) went down during aftermath of the ice storm we had.
No clue if she fell or what.
Ewes have access to small outside pasture and had a good trampled path but narrow.
Whatever the reason she is gone a month before lambing date.
Fast forward to this week.
Still out 24 days from marked date of March 6th for the next ewe.
As I was falling asleep I heard "the sound" from the monitor in the barn/shed.
I thought no way but it came a second and third time.
I put my 18 layers on, grumbling the whole way and off into the icy dark.
I added more straw to general pen working around the laboring ewe.
Finally after prep was done I decided to check her.
Less that an inch inside two tiny hooves and I felt a bit back and there was sharp lil teeth.
Good, so I gave a small tug and out shot two legs but no mouth?
I felt around and lamb had picked her head up and was lodged.
It took what seemed like forever to untangle her and push the second lamb behind her.
Eventually I was able to finagle her out into the world.
Second lamb followed directly with ease.
Both were tossing their heads so no rush needed.
I channeled Sandy Brock and decided to double check this first time ewe for more
but nah she won't have triplets.
Oops, yep she had a third deep in the well.
As soon as I felt the hooves up it came and thankfully that was all.
Mama ewe was stunned to say the least.
She stayed down but looked around confused so I lined the lambs up for her to inspect.
She immediately started licking so I left her alone for about ten minutes.
After throwing my back out lifting her back end she finally stood, shook and mothered up.
All were up on their feet quickly and searching for the spickets.
I guided all three but didn't force any to stay past a minute.
I am trying to let Mother Nature be the guide.
After putting a jug together, watering and feeding the Ewe I went to the house.
It was midnight and I had grandkids in the morning.
Not a restful sleep as I heard the lambs whimpering and Momma calling too.
Got up at 4:45, dressed in all the layers again and out I went.
I honestly wasn't confident but as I opened the barn I saw all three up on their chests sleeping.
Each mouth and belly was checked, warm and full.
After topping up water, hay and some grain I went back to house to get ready for work.
Left by 6am for son's to watch grands and get them off to school and daycare and then work for me.
All that to say....
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