The countdown has begun

Anticipation. That is what comes to mind thinking about the next few weeks. I need to begin the process of preparation for the lambs we are expecting. What does one need to do?

First of all, I have gone through all the lambing supplies making sure medications and milk replacer ( which I hope we don't need) are up to date, have an adequate supply of veterinary supplies for injections for vaccines and emergency supplies, too. I do not like to play doctor but it is necessary or the cost of keeping these animals could become prohibitive.

I think I have the supplies up to date. Tomorrow I need to update the ewe's for their vaccinations so the lambs will benefit from the booster. I may call it quits at that since more handling is harder on the ewes as time goes on.

The estimated arrival time will be near the beginning of the second week of March. That's when the more frequent barn checks begin and the anticipation of action are in the forefront of thought with each check-up.

Dressed for the weather.

BRRRRRR! You know it's cold when the storm door is frosted. Chores still need to be done but it takes some preparation, O.K., lots of preparation. Carhart bib pants, pacs keep my feet toasty warm, a scarf or "turtle" from the jumble in the closet, my hat and a fleece followed by the my favorite long barn coat. No wonder extra time is required for winter chores! Once outside, though, you know how well you've done dressing by how warm you stay.

I step outside and the wind hits my face like a slap, painful. This -12 deg. day with a 10+ mph wind requires total skin coverage. Hmmm.... not cold but keep the skin covered. Thank goodness it isn't like this all the time. The dogs don't seem to mind so much, like the sheep, especially if they get access to the barn. No layers for them!

Water for the birds is a fight because I need to carry water for them and break the water in their bowl before putting in the warm water. Their perch seems adequate, too. I've read that if the perch is not broad enough for them to sit on their feet at night, their toes may freeze off. Their toes all appear normal and they are moving about normally. Good. We leave a night on at night so that they may get downfrom their perches and eat to keep warm.

No loitering in any pen, building or barn, it is way too cold for that on a day like today. Keep warm everyone.