Open Poetry #37 |
Sometimes I want to murder them (ewes that is) |
Titia Geertman Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182Netherlands |
Sometimes I want to murder them Those ewes who reject their kin Both little lambs are not allowed to take her warm milk in She did fine for two whole days But yesterday she went on strike Walking away when they came near She told them 'to take a hike' I wonder what's happening in her head She is responsing when they cry But when they want to drink some milk She's off and I just don't know why Her udder is heavy, no problem there It's like she doesn't recognize The smell of lambs that are her own And she won't listen to my advise So...bottle feeding is next I guess And I'm not happy with that at all Last year she did a real good job This year she's deaf to nature's call Last Friday my first new lambs were born. I promised my nephews to give them their name So here are Onno and Hans, both male For their mother's behaviour they're not to blame Like scattered leaves...my words will flow |
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© Copyright 2006 Titia Geertman - All Rights Reserved | |||
Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
The Spring lambs are here!! Ah Titia that is so sad that she won't feed them. Hugs~Nancy ~ Trace my body with your words, |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
This year she's deaf to nature's call I wonder why...sometimes's that instinct gets lost just as it does in some humans. They are so cute... M |
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Titia Geertman Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182Netherlands |
Maybe I'm lucky, or maybe not. I've sprayed them all with special 'adoption' spray, wich means Mom and kids have the same smell now and maybe, just maybe, I can trick her into accepting them again. Sofar she's let them drink once this afternoon when I was there. Let's hope for the best. Like scattered leaves...my words will flow |
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scorpio Member Ascendant
since 2002-10-02
Posts 5178right...there |
I can understand your distress at this turn of events Titia. It does happen in nature that the mother rejects her young. But if this particular ewe nursed young last year I don't know why she would refuse this year. Did the ram forget to send flowers??? believe in what your heart feels... |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
I can always tell that Spring has sprung when ewe posts appear Wonder what the problem is when they reject them? Well he looks healthy enough and let's face it Titia, there is nothing cuter than feeding babies right? Knuffles to you over there. |
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Titia Geertman Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182Netherlands |
Hi Nancy, let's keep our hopes high. Maureen, it's not normal she looses that instinct after nursing them for two days. Scorpio, ha ha I'll ask her if she's grumpy about that. LOL Mysteria, feeding babies is gorgeous, but when that happens I will be house bound for at least two months because they have to be fed every three hours and that I don't like a bit. I'd rather see them jumping up and down the meadow and running to their Mom when hungry. I cleaned their little bums with warm water because the first 'poop' was very sticky and maybe that is causing a difference in smell. Just don't know. Ewes are very particular as it comes to that. That's why nobody but me is allowed to touch them the first week. Like scattered leaves...my words will flow |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
I've seen something similar with a pig and her new little piglets. We had to bottle feed those beasties, and only one of six survived even though three of us took turns night and day for a week! Hoping your little lambies are luckier, and that mom gets back to the basics right away. |
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The Lady Member Rara Avis
since 2005-12-26
Posts 7634The Southwest |
Oh my, Onno and Hans are just precious. I hope the adoption spray works. Good luck to all of you. |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Did it work? |
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Titia Geertman Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182Netherlands |
Well, so far it seems the little lambs have their bellies full and Moms udder is not feeling tensed, but soft, so they must get some milk inside, but Mom won't let them drink when I'm around. I let them be for the moment and keeping a good eye on the little ones. Lambs who don't get anything to drink for a whole day/night are not vivid at all and these two are hopping around in their little corner. Seems Mom is playing tricks on me. I don't mind as long as the lambs are looking healthy. Like scattered leaves...my words will flow |
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