There was sadness yesterday. And one possible success. I will not say happiness. Though Boo is happy to have a new baby. Meadow has the same issues as Mia but she may not survive. And we are working on saving the one lamb that is still alive. 
Wait for it.
Meadow presented with all kinds of troubles yesterday. It was frankly terrible, I will not go into the details. A bloody mess. I don’t think she will survive and her first lamb was dead. But I have not given up hope for Meadow. Or her other little ram lamb though he is very weak. He has been rejected by his very sick mother and it is bitterly cold and we have a forecast of icy rain then more inches of snow all day – I have brought him inside.
He is drinking. And crying quietly sometimes now. Responding to noises and scratches behind the ears. He lies tucked up nicely. But he has not stood up – though he tries. But he does arrange his incredibly long legs when he settles back down. And he has an umbilical hernia that I have tied off. Plus frequent nose bleeds.
Lets hope for the best. Surviving the night is always a positive.
I am feeding him small, small amounts every hour. And Meadow was eating early this morning, but she had a uterine prolapse and it was worse than Mia’s. We will see.
I have decided that I am no longer going to breed sheep. My little flock will now be for wool. No more rams. No more lambs. Mama’s line is flawed. Which means that if this little guy survives, and he has some very real problems, I will keep him. Not to breed, he will get the snip. Just for wool. I will learn to knit. But as usual I am getting ahead of myself. I have a gravely ill ewe and a gravely ill lamb.
Thank goodness I have Boo Nanny who has licked the lamb back from the brink twice already and has lain beside him for the last 24 hours. And when he bled so much blood from his cord, (I think he caught it with his foot trying to stand up) and I reached up in a panic and yanked the dream catcher from the ceiling and quickly turned the leather string into a tourniquet, Boo just lay down next to him and looked at me and I swear that dog was as afraid as I was that the lamb would die. But he didn’t.
I am now hoping that Minty is not pregnant.
Your friend on the farmy
celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
127 responses to “Boo Nanny Has a New Baby”
Yes there is nothing I can add that all the others above have not said beautifully. I am just so sorry about Meadow. Can only hope her little guy survives. He’s so damn darling and so is Boo.
You’re an amazing woman Cecelia! Sending you strength in thoughts. Your sweet little lamb couldn’t ask for a better nursing team than you and Boo.
Oh how awful. But I see your resilience, in the way you are already springing back and rethinking, finding a new way to have sheep, being realistic. And at the same time you are such a nurse maid, doing what needs to be done to save what lives you can. My heart goes out to you.
My heart is heavy with this news Celi, and I will be thinking about you and the farmy all day. I hopey the lamb survives (and he will if Boo has anything to do with it), and am praying for a good outcome for all.
Maybe a blanket for Sheila too!
Just caught up and caught Chloe up too and we both shed a little tear. We’re hoping for the best with baby lamb and C says she wants a Boo now too. Say what you will about Bad Boo, he sure does make up for it at times like this, doesn’t he? Much love to you and the farmy.
Boo said he wants a Chloe! He is extraordinary when it comes to baby orphans. I am hoping he will take the Kunekune piglet under his wing too.. we will see.. his wings are getting crowded! c
You 2 make a good team.
Saw a film on this on our favourite ‘vet show’ just two nights ago! A wee llama!! Anaemic because of what had happenecd; a blood transfusion fixed fast – but it was from the mother of which there is none. Worth thinking about and never get mad at Boo! Heart of gold!!!!
He is rallying Eha..I hope to have good news tomorrow.. I would love to have a llama, they have such sad knowledgable eyes.. c
What a champ that Boo dog is!
I am so sorry for the difficulties your ewe and lamb are having. These sort of difficulties always hurt. Waiting to hear what news you have for tomorrow, Celi, and I hope it is good news.
Oh as I was reading down through the comments my heart caught in my throat when I read about Meadow’s demise. Gentle hugs to you and the lamb, and an extra treat for Boo Nanny.
Hugs, I wish I could help…..our critters me so much to us….
Farm life is so hard. It’s difficult to not get emotional about the animals – on reason why some would prefer to have many instead of a few – you don’t get as close to them, they say…but suspect it you’d still befriend each and everyone. Finding 4H/FFA breeders is a good idea. Raising for wool is a great idea. There may be something about putting the lamb in a sling. My uncles would prop injured or sick cows/horse up using hay bales saying their insides were designed to work with them standing up not laying down. I’m not sure about young lambs
Boo obviously came to you for a reason – he’s such a dear.
In our thoughts and prayers, little ones – and you, too
Dear brave lady, you repeatedly show us the courage that is needed to farm, the optimism and the bright spirit that shines down all obstacles. Thanks to Meadow for her life and all that she gave you; thanks to Boo for his fatherly generosity! May this lamb survive after his traumatic start (thankfully there is colostrum!). May you keep sheep again, whether simply for wool, or perhaps with a new genetic strain you’ll refill your freezers. Keep on, keep on, the spring is not so far away now. Blessings to all at the farm! Sending strength, warm thoughts, and gratitude.
Oh, my heart is broken Celi. This is why I am not a good farm girl at all… I cannot brave taking such loss. It is bad enough trying to save wild orphans, because my heart still breaks when things go amiss. But, they belong to the wild and they were never mine to hold. It is different with your own stock… they’re family. Meadow had a place in your family… a place in all of our hearts.
What a gift Boo is. Some animals just seem to have mothering instinct and compassion. I will be sending positive vibes and asking the Universe to provide and heal. And I’m sending love too, my courageous friend.
Great nanny and darling pictures of the little ram — perhaps he will take after Marmalade and thrive. Sorry about Meadow — hope she pulls through, too.
Oh, sorry. Just read through the whole thread. Am hoping the little ram is doing better.