As the sun rises over the gentle slopes and lush pastures of Crooked Pines Farm, a new generation of Soay sheep is beginning to arrive. It’s that time of year again—spring lambing season—and our flock is busy welcoming their tender newborns into the world. What a joy it is to witness these tiny, wobbly-legged lambs take their first steps and snuggle close to their attentive mothers.
Our heritage Soay sheep are a hardy, self-sufficient breed, well-suited to the temperate climate and rolling terrain of our 5-acre farm. Each spring, as the days grow longer and the grass begins to green, our ewes diligently set about the work of reproducing. After a gestation period of around 145 days, the first lambs of the season typically arrive in late March or early April. This year has been no exception, with our first lambs making their appearance just last week.
Lamb Birth and Early Development
As we make our daily rounds to check on the flock, we’ve been delighted to find two or three newborn lambs nestled alongside their mothers in the pasture. These little ones, with their fuzzy coats and endearing bleats, are the product of our diligent breeding program. By selectively pairing our strongest, healthiest ewes with our most robust ram, we aim to produce lambs that will grow into vibrant, resilient members of the flock.
The birthing process itself is a marvel to behold. We make sure to keep a close eye on our pregnant ewes, ready to lend a hand if needed, but most often, the ewes handle the delivery with little difficulty. Within minutes of being born, the lambs are up on their feet, searching for their mother’s milk. It’s amazing to witness their instinctive drive to nurse and the ewe’s attentive care.
Over the next few days and weeks, we’ll continue to monitor the young lambs closely, ensuring they are nursing well and gaining weight. We’ll also administer essential veterinary care, such as navel dipping to prevent infection and BoSe injections to boost their selenium levels. Gradual introductions to solid foods like grass, hay, and herbal supplements will help the lambs develop into thriving, independent sheep.
Flock Management
Of course, the arrival of new lambs is just one part of the overall rhythm of our sheep operation. Throughout the year, we carefully manage the breeding, health, and grazing of our Soay flock to maintain a thriving, sustainable herd.
Breeding typically occurs in the fall, when our ram is turned out with the ewes. We monitor the flock closely during this time, ensuring the ram is not overly aggressive and that the ewes are cycling normally. Come spring, we eagerly await the fruits of their labor—those precious lambs!
When it comes time for the lambs to be born, we make sure the ewes have a clean, comfortable environment in which to deliver. Our lambing jug, a small, enclosed pen, provides a safe, private space for the ewe and her newborn. We keep a close eye on the process, ready to step in if any complications arise, but generally, our Soay ewes are expert mothers, guiding their lambs through those crucial first hours and days.
As the lambs grow, we slowly integrate them into the larger flock, allowing them to graze alongside their mothers and learn the rhythms of farm life. Regular hoof trimming, deworming, and other health checks ensure the entire flock remains in top condition.
Pasture and Grazing Management
At Crooked Pines Farm, our pastures are the lifeblood of our operation. These lush, diverse grasslands provide abundant forage for our Soay sheep, meeting the majority of their nutritional needs throughout the year. We carefully manage our rotational grazing system, moving the flock to fresh paddocks on a regular basis to allow the grass to regrow and maintain its optimal nutritional value.
This spring, we’ve been especially grateful for the ample rainfall that has blanketed our region. The green, vibrant pastures are a stark contrast to the drought conditions we faced last year, when we struggled to keep our sheep well-fed. Now, the lambs have plenty of tender, nutrient-rich grass to support their rapid growth and development.
As the weather warms and the growing season progresses, we’ll continue to monitor the condition of our pastures, making adjustments to the grazing plan as needed. Carefully managing the stocking density and rest periods for each paddock is key to ensuring the long-term health and productivity of our grasslands.
Community Engagement
While the daily routines of lambing and flock management keep us busy on the farm, we also cherish the opportunity to share our agricultural journey with the broader community. Crooked Pines Farm is proud to participate in various agritourism activities, from seasonal open house events to hands-on educational programs for local schoolchildren.
During our spring lambing season, we often welcome visitors to the farm, allowing them to observe the miracle of new life unfolding before their eyes. Guests can watch as the lambs take their first steps, nurse from their mothers, and begin to explore their grassy surroundings. It’s a magical experience that sparks wonder and appreciation for the natural world.
We also collaborate with our local Farmers Market to connect directly with consumers and share the bounty of our farm. From grass-fed lamb and fresh seasonal produce to handcrafted wool products, our offerings showcase the diversity and quality of what Crooked Pines has to offer.
As we move through this vibrant spring season, we feel grateful for the opportunity to steward our land and nurture the next generation of Soay sheep. The arrival of these newborn lambs is a true testament to the resilience and beauty of the natural world. We invite you to visit Crooked Pines Farm, witness the wonders of lambing season, and experience the joy of farm life firsthand.