Olde English Babydoll Southdown Lambs!

Well, on to a new adventure here on the farm! It always seems like something. I have a ton of ideas in my head. I am for sure an over thinker and planner. I’m not very spontaneous and end up planning, doing research, pinning on Pinterst and reading a bunch before I jump in to a project.

After the death of our baby lamb I knew I wanted to get more. I decided after plenty of research that the Olde English Babydoll Southdown’s were the ones I wanted. They are a small/miniature like sheep that only get about 24 inches tall. With being smaller they do not try to push fence, are easier to handle and make great sheep for petting zoo’s- if that’s what you are after. They are also in my opinion!! The cutest sheep ever and are known for looking like they are smiling!! They are a wool sheep and their fiber is in the same class of cashmere. With that being said- hoping we can eventually add some fiber products to the farm to sell. Hoping to learn the art of spinning, and hand dying fiber so that I can sell some skeins and give fiber gifts that came straight from my own farm! 

Deciding on the breed I wanted to add to the farm was the easy part. It was finding a registered breeder of these cute little fuzzy faces! I was in contact I believe with every single registered breeder in the province (as well as some from other provinces). I decided I would start out with a couple Olde English Babydoll Southdown Sheep and if I enjoy them as much as I hope. Will possibly add some more next year and then also become a registered breeder. 

  

   
    
   
Having not been brought up on a farm, this is a new adventure and I am always learning. Mistakes have and will be made again. But hoping this will be an amazing adventure and something my kids can look back on, and say how much they learnt and loved their childhood memories. I am grateful for what God has given me, as well as for the life I live. I have for sure had my fair share of heartaches and grief but I am trying to move on from those and think positive about my future. The farm is where I was meant and destined to be. I couldn’t be more happier than where I am today. 

Blessings to all! And I hope you all find what makes you happy and be grateful for the life you are given! Always growing.   ❤️

  

Accidents Happen..

So, I have been waiting to write this for quite a while; and was hoping I wouldn’t have to..Accidents happen. It’s true- even when you are as careful as you can be, one small lapse of judgment can change the course of your life.

Living on a farm- I know accidents happen, death happens.. But then so does life. I for one, have a very difficult time with death.

I will start by telling you. These last couple weeks have taken a tole on me. Sugar (our sweet little goat) was out playing with Heidi and her sister Cinnamon. Being a bottle fed baby she follows you everywhere. I was not outside at the time. But Heidi decided to go into the horses. Goats of course following.. I’m sure everyone can see this is not going to end well. My horse got excited by the little running goat (or possibly just being a mare in heat); she rolled Sugar. Sugar had broken her femur really high up. We wrapped, cleaned, and hoped it would heal itself.

The next awful experience- our sweet baby lamb who we had only had for a short 3 days passed away, in my arms. He was so young but we were already connected and bonded with him. We are not sure the circumstances that lead up to his death. But have found it was a learning experience when purchasing from an auction.

The very next day- I came home to a hen down. She was still alive but barely. I believe she was egg bound. I gave her several Epsom salt baths, yogurt, calcium and even tried lubricating her vent. She made the night, but passed away shortly after her last Epsom salt bath. 

Now this story takes us to today.. Poor Sugar. She just was not healing (her bone was protruding). I had to intervene and make the decision to take her to the vet. Infection had set in. It was a difficult break (very high). The vet stated we had 2 options. She could try to amputate but she was not sure if she even could with lack of skin, location as well as infection. Or euthanize… Ugh- are you kidding me? My sensitive heart could just not take anymore. I decided there was no option for me (I know some wouldn’t go as far as me) she needed to try to amputate. I said a little prayer. I knew if she could not do it, she would come get me. I waited. She never came –that’s gotta be good right? I came in, and could hear her crying. The surgery was successful. They took her scapula and leg. But she is alive! I will now hope and pray she heals well and will live a very long and happy life with us.

I now have a 3 -legged goat- a very loved 3 -legged goat.

Death happens all the time on farms. It’s one thing I am learning. I will always care for all of my animals and do whatever I can for them. 

I am hoping all my bad luck has come to an end. And learning to appreciate the life that the farm brings as well. The hardest part about everything is my 4 year old. Telling Heidi about her lamb, and then explaining how Sugar’s leg “will not grow back”. Has been the most difficult. I am hoping I am teaching her life lessons, and how to be a caring and sensitive little girl.

Please pray and send positive thoughts and vibes to my sweet 3-legged goat, Sugar.

(Pictures attached)

Thank you to Anne- for giving Sugar a new chance at life.

   Rest Easy little baby ❤️
  
Sugar recovering after surgery, at home.❤️