March, in like a lamb out like a lion?! Oh wait, I think that is supposed to be the other way around. But I’ll take whatever I can get. Now that it is March we are patiently (not really) waiting for lambing to begin. As you may already know we have Icelandic sheep on our farm. They are seasonal breeders beginning in October (when the day length shortens and it gets colder) till about April.  They lamb at about 145 (ish) days and they lamb small 5lb (ish) babies. As this is our first year lambing, we are hoping for babies pretty much anytime from now until May. When we purchased our sheep (2 ewes and 1 ram) they were all together and we left them that way due to lack of pens.

Now if you are like me and love to schedule everything, make lists, check things off, write things on the calendar…etc.; then you know what a foolish idea it was for me to leave everyone together. Stoic (our ram) could have bred the girls in October or November or December…I think you get the point. I have no idea when they will pop! And it is driving me mad. I  pre-purchased just about every lambing necessity, reread my sheep information book (2x), looked at pictures, spoke to my vet and the lady I purchased them from. I visit the girls often and tell them how lovely and glowing they are. Along with, “No, Helga, that wool doesn’t make your bump look bigger.” I don’t think she cares, but I remember what it was like to be pregnant and feeling like a whale.

 

So I patiently wait. We have slowly increased their alfalfa to accommodate for the growing baby or babies. Sheep often have twins and sometimes more, but as for Icelandics the normal birth is a single or a twin. Now don’t get me wrong, how wonderful would twins be; but I am more than happy with a nice single baby. If the lambs are female (ewes) they will more than likely stay right here on the farm with mom and be here forever. If they turn out to be male (ram) they will either be sold to someone who would like a nice breeding ram or wether (castrated male) or they will go to help feed our family.

Icelandics have wonderful delicate meat. And it may seem barbaric but I know this is a way I can provide food for my family and know exactly where it came from and what all went into it. I told my daughter, “They have a wonderful carefree life here and then only one bad day”. That answer made her satisfied and I know its a true statement. Everyday my children see proof of how well the animals are taken care of and it will be like that always.

For now, I will keep visiting and complimenting the girls on their good looks and wait till I see cute fuzzy lambs running around.