Winters are always intense by the sea, be it the strong winds or the high tides. But they offer their own special beauty. The fleeting sunsets and sunrises are filled with the spectacular pink and reds of a shepherds warning. There is always something beautiful to see in every season here in the lakes. Working a full time job and caring for chickens, sheep, dogs, an elderly cat and a house with a personality more complicated than most people, was never going to be an easy task. There's always something to think about fixing, and always something to think about feeding. But, with my parents away, the challenge is something that my sister and I have stepped up to.
With the winter and early spring, some of our animals require some special care. We have been the proud owners of Shetland sheep for many years now. A small, heritage breed here in the UK, keeping Shetland sheep is more of a hobby than a commercial outlet for us.
A seasoned ewe and her lamb
Shetlands will typically only have 1-2 lambs a year. This little one will grow up to be the same sun kissed light brown as her mother on the outer edges of her wool. On one such particular day in early winter, and then a second day just a few days ago, the sheep required one of these check ups. All of our girls are comfortable around people, which makes it easier for a two man team to get them in to the holding pen. The group needs a pedicure, some worming treatment, and some blowfly treatment to prevent disease and keep them happy and healthy. It's also a good moment to check body, wool and the general condition of each member of the flock. I have worked with sheep in farm lambing seasons, and further in college as part of my qualifications. These knowledge pockets have all been things I've been able to bring home with me and use in our own flock.
A series of ID photos taken for the extensive record logs that mum has kept over the half a decade plus of keeping Shetlands.
The logs help us keep up to date on the health and lineage of each of our individuals. Each year we hold a theme for the lambs born- we've had Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and more! It's hard work, even with just the 12 individuals we have at the moment, but the benefits are undeniable. Not only do our sheep seem healthy, they seem to have faired the winter well. It is always a joy to see the flock back by the sea once the spring starts.
When visiting us, keep your eyes peeled at sunset for "Golden Hour Zoomies"- sometimes our sheep get bursts of energy around sunset and begin to jump and run around for a bit. Even the much older ones!
I have always loved, and always will love, sheep. They bring their large personalities to our home. As a bonus, the wool has insulated many points in our house, and in the future should begin to be processed for spinning. That's all from the seaside today. Chloe x
