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Sunday, March 8, 2009

Jacob Lambs!

Yesterday we trekked out to Nickerson, Nebraska, to pick up two Jacob ewe lambs. We are particularly interested in having rare breeds of livestock on our farm, so these fit with our philosophy very well. The American Livestock Breed Conservancy lists Jacob sheep as threatened. We chose our lambs from several available, and I'm really pleased with them. They both have the eye patches and black noses as in the standard. One has wool a little too far forward on her head, but that's not a big deal to us.

I just love the curly fleece on this one. She is so cute! No horn buds yet.

This one has the "puffier" head. She also is a little bit bigger. We can feel four horn buds on her!

I just couldn't stop snuggling these girls. They are so soft and sweet and they smell so lamby and new. They haven't had much handling so are not really thrilled with being snuggled (yet) but I will try to work with them and help them learn that we like to be able to handle our sheep. It's so much easier when it comes time for shearing or checking them over for any reason.

Not to be outdone in the cuteness department, Luna did her usual goatling leaps and bounds while I was playing with the lambs.

I also caught another sign of spring yesterday - the rabbits are out in force! I also saw a bluebird checking out my nest box estates, and the robins have been here for a couple of weeks already. I wish my grass would decide to turn green also. Right now, the yard is a quagmire after 2 days straight of rain. I think the ground is still partly frozen so it's not draining very quickly.
I captured a beautiful sunset the night before last here at Whispering Acres, so I'll sign off with that, and wish everyone a great day!

21 comments:

girlwithasword said...

I LOVE spinning Jacob wool....will look forward to seeing your girls grow,and hopefully spin some of their wool someday! :)

Nancy K. said...

Oh, Claire! Your new babies are SO cute! I don't know if it's similar in Jacobs, but with Shetlands, the wool on the forehead (and cheeks) often indicates a very soft fleece...

Your action shots of Luna are absolutely priceless!!

Thanks for the smile

BlueGate said...

Congrats on your new additions. I too am a big fan of jacobs for spinning and would like to add a couple to our farm in the future. Will look for pointers from you : )

Sharrie said...

Great action shot. The lambs are adorable, and who could resist snuggling on something that cute?

Joanna@BooneDocksWilcox said...

wow, they are beautiful, I'll have to study up on Jacob lambs. So Luna will have some young buddies to play with?

Laughing Orca Ranch said...

Babies and cuteness are everywhere! Lambs, kids, bunnies, bluebirds...and a stunning sunset!

What a fabulous post today!

~Lisa

Don said...

oh no! not cute lambs too!!! It's not fair, I am not mentally ready for these, but your pictures and comments are way too convincing!!

Hey Ruth!!! (my wife)

Crosswinds Farm said...

They are adorable! I can't wait until I have "new lamb smell" here : ).

Christy said...

Beautiful lambs! I'm looking forward to getting sheep someday. Not now, I'm still adjusting to the goats.

Amy said...

What cute little lambs! I wouldn't be able to stop snuggling them either. And your little Luna is such a ham! Gotta love the babies. They sure know how to have a good time!

powderhooves said...

Oh my another surprise for all of us. They are adorable and you look so happy. What lucky little sheep. I want to live with Claire :-)

Miss Effie said...

Way too cute!! They are adorable. I will have to spin some Jacob -- I never have.

Another thing on the "to-do" list!

Have fun cuddling!!

Abraham Deshotel said...

whoa! those lambs are so cool!! i've never seen lambs like that. guess i'm too much of a city person then
congrats on the addition

Unknown said...

Oh, boy, more fuzzy critters for Diane to meet! They look wonderful, and I know they will quickly get used to being hugged and loved! Have you visited Suzanne McMinn's blog (Chickens in the Road)? She just adopted some sheep, including 2 Jacobs. http://suzannemcminn.com/blog/

Have fun, give lots of hugs out, and give Luna a hug from me!

Nancy in Atlanta

Lola Nova said...

Can't move...Too much cuteness...must... reach... utility belt!
Add this to the new calves, spring foals and snow drops we saw on our family's "Sunday So Journey" today, I am undone by sweetness. It didn't help that to end the adventure my girl challenged us to a hunt for the elusive pink do-nut. Mission accomplished!

I have a mission for you here:

http://lolanovablog.blogspot.com/2009/03/my-side-of-bed.html

I double dog dare you!

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your Jacob lambs! They are very cute. I can't believe it's March already ;) Have fun!

angie said...

Oh.Claire! Just when I think I've seen it all from you - you go and make it even better! Jacobs! How FUN!!

I am enjoying the Luna pics and videos very much. I am able to live vicariously thru you until we can move to our farm. Thanks - this photo of Luna was especially cute and funny. She actually reminds me a bit of my kitten - always bounding and jumping around.

frolicnfibers said...

Claire your new babies are so beautiful! Let me know how the spinning of the Jacob wool goes. I haven't tried that one yet!

diane said...

omg the new ewes are great and so sweet!
but my heart still belongs to luna.
and ps- my mom sent something to me to give to you when i finally get out there to take pics. :)

Unknown said...

That settles it. I'm just going to have to come up there and love on those lambs, and Luna!

All the cuteness!

Cat

Paula said...

The little lambs are so cute, Claire! I LOVE the picture of Luna "catching some air"... that is hilarious!
Beautiful sunset......