Only one of my two Katahdin ewes was waiting at the fence line for me when I went out to do chores this morning. I knew what I would find in the shed when I didn't hear her call. Betsy, who ate hay last night and got head rubs yesterday, was lying dead inside the building. At least, she died inside and with her companion there.
Bets was one of my original Katahdin sheep, and the last survivor of the first group of three. She was a beautiful rusty red color and loved head rubs. She had to have been at least a year old when I got the three of them, so she must have 11 years old or older, not bad for a sheep. But, not nearly long enough for me.
At least she doesn't have to endure another hideous northern Iowa winter. Yesterday's cold, snow and blowing winds likely hastened her death.
When her siblings died within days of each other four years ago, I bought a young Katahdin ewe -- by the pound, which rescued Rachel from becoming someone's Easter meal. Now, Rach is alone. I don't know that I am up to rehoming her, but flock animals need friends.
Her pen is adjacent to three miniature goats, but they have never enjoyed each others' company. All three goats have horns, which gives them a major advantage over poor Rachel.
I will miss my beautiful Betsy as much as Rachel will.
Bets was one of my original Katahdin sheep, and the last survivor of the first group of three. She was a beautiful rusty red color and loved head rubs. She had to have been at least a year old when I got the three of them, so she must have 11 years old or older, not bad for a sheep. But, not nearly long enough for me.
At least she doesn't have to endure another hideous northern Iowa winter. Yesterday's cold, snow and blowing winds likely hastened her death.
When her siblings died within days of each other four years ago, I bought a young Katahdin ewe -- by the pound, which rescued Rachel from becoming someone's Easter meal. Now, Rach is alone. I don't know that I am up to rehoming her, but flock animals need friends.
Her pen is adjacent to three miniature goats, but they have never enjoyed each others' company. All three goats have horns, which gives them a major advantage over poor Rachel.
I will miss my beautiful Betsy as much as Rachel will.
. Rach is my "puppy" sheep. I got her as Betsy's companion, but Bets detested her so much that Rach spent her first days here in a giant dog crate. All my sheep and goats have collars, and Rach will actually walk well on a leash.
