New Arrivals

It's springtime so you expect new arrivals on the farm. After all, spring is a season for rebirth.

In a grass-based operation like ours, we want our animals to be born in the spring when the weather is more predictable, the ground is warmer and the grass is lush. This does require planning and careful management. It also makes for a very busy season!

Our first arrivals were not born here though. We've been having trouble with coyotes attacking our sheep the past few years and Aaron and a neighbor who also raises sheep have been looking at guard animals to protect the ewes from predators.

After quite a lot of research, consultation with the vet and numerous phone calls we acquired these two.

On the right is the baby donkey; she's about 9 months old. On the left is the mother donkey; she's 6 years old and is expecting another baby, we think.

The female donkeys or jennys as they're called, are supposed to be better at protecting a herd of sheep than a male (jack). We've been gradually introducing them to grass; donkeys, like horses, will overeat and founder. They're in with some sheep we're going to butcher; Aaron was reluctant to mix them with the ewes in case it upset the ewes which are very close to their due dates.

So our first arrivals are here. If you have any ideas for names, we're open to suggestions!