Why we don't see sheep right now

Lots of Lambwatchers who pop in and out during the day (and night) are concerned that there are no sheep or lambs visible at the moment.  Lynda gave us a good explanation for this on August 15th. 

First, the ewes, the mother sheep, are in recovery from lambing and raising their young ones, and they are having a rest period, first in the barn and then in another field.  This is necessary to help them get ready for the next season of mating and lambing.  They will be back in view, likely, by the end of September or early October.  Meanwhile all the lambs have gone to market except the two bottle-fed ones, which will become part of the breeding stock when they are mature enough.

Secondly, good ecological farming (without using chemical fertilisers and pesticides) requires that a field be allowed to rest or "lie fallow" for a period of time, so that the grass or clover or whatever the crop is has time to recover, and so that the soil can also recover its natural nutrients from the sun, the rain and the vegetation.  This will give us a healthy field, and then provide a richer source of food for the ewes and their lambs later on.

So it's really all about what is good for the farm and the land and the sheep, and when we get to watch them again we will know that Howard and Lynda and Mother Nature have given them the very best of care. 

Meanwhile, we can watch the interesting activities of the birds at the feeders - thanks again to Lynda.

I hope this helps explain the situation, and why LAMBWATCH has, for a few weeks, become
BIRDWATCH instead.

Thanks, Helen, for the detailed explanation. I knew about letting a field lie fallow but didn't know about the ewes needing a recovery period. Not only is this website entertaining, it is educational.

Even though I miss seeing the sheep, I enjoy just looking at the peaceful scenery and watching the birds, the occasional appearance of the cat, and other creatures (real and not so real).

Thanks for putting this in the forum Helen. The sheep that have been in the barn since their lambs went to market, have now been out in a less nutritious field for well over a week. Their milk supply has dried up but we have noticed that some of them are quite thin as they have been putting all their energy into producing milk for their lambs. As a result, they could well be arriving in the Lambwatch field a lot earlier than anticipated as they will benefit greatly from eating lots of good grass now and concentrating on getting their own body fat back and having lots of rest   

Thanks, :Lynda!  The poor darlings!  Raising frisky lambs must take its toll, and they must be paying the price for mothering such healthy young ones!  Well, we will welcome them back whenever they appear, and while some of the rest of us would like to shed a few pounds, we hope the ewes can add some. .  .