I’m currently based in London but for 18 months I was in Norfolk in the middle of the beautiful countryside. For some time I was living in close proximity to a small farmstead. In working with the owners of the farmstead I was regularly involved at weekends in looking after the animals which comprised of 8 sheep, a good number of chickens (when Mr Renard and his partner in crime Mr Mink hadn’t paid a visit) and also some fabulous Indian Runner Ducks. Just as an aside……Mink…..total nightmare!!
One weekend in spring during lambing season I was left in charge of the three last sheep left to lamb. This obviously wouldn’t be a problem as I had the number of Kevin, the local sheep farmer who was happy to offer any assistance required. Nothing, I was assured was going to happen over the weekend!!
Well, on the Friday evening after work the first pair arrived without a hitch. A call was put in to Kevin who duly came round and brought the little fellas into the world with the skill only a man named ‘Kevin the Sheep’ could enact. On the Saturday night however when I phoned Kevin to tell him that the second mother was ready, I was told he’d gone to the pub. I was on my own with only the elderly couple who lived nearby for company. The situation turned for the worst when the first lamb was born breach. Both mother and baby were struggling, in reality, very seriously.
Due to primarily a sense of empathy, adrenaline and not wishing to have to explain anything other than 2 little lambs running around the barn, I then suffered what can only be described as a James Herriott moment came over me and decided I had to help as he and the mother were both in real danger. With only the merest idea of what I was doing I began trying to try to work him free from his mother in finest Herriott style. After what seemed like hours and was able to free the tiny lamb and pulled him out. He wasn’t really breathing so I tried what I’d seen Kevin doing the night before in rubbing the little guy with straw and clearing his mouth.
Miraculously, after an eternity, out gurgled the first resemblance of a bleat. He’d made it!!! I’m happy to admit, it was an emotional moment. His sister then popped out a few minutes later and I got them both suckling. A truly memorable day, something I won’t forget in a hurry and something I’d quite happily do again. I’m sure it loses a certain something once you’ve delivered hundreds but this was very special.
Here’s some pictures of the 2 lambs I delivered, happy and bouncing around in the field along with some of the other lambs born that spring.
The 2 Lambs in the field
Herdwick Mother with Lamb in the barn
More to follow on the Runner Ducks and the continual fight with the mink!!
September 23rd, 2008 | Tags: Herdwick Sheep, Indian Runner Ducks, Lambs | Category: David's Farm | Comments (1)
