Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Luna and Birdie

Is this not the odd couple? The little one, Luna, is a bit of a hard luck story. Her mom was down and paralyzed for nearly the whole last month of her pregnancy. We don't know why or how it happened. She was bright, alert, eating normally and interacting with the rest of the ewes and lambs....just couldn't stand up. She didn't seem to be in any pain, so I opted to feed, water and keep her on clean bedding. My hope was that when she lambed, she might recover. Unfortunately, that was not the case. She didn't even seem to know she was in labor, when it happened. Mike pulled all three lambs, two of which we could never get to breathe. Luna is the only survivor of that sadness and it was touch and go with her for quite a while. We named her Luna because she was born on the Vernal Equinox, the night of the "super moon".

Four hours later, that very same night, Birdie was born. Birdie was also from a set of triplets and was a giant compared to her two siblings. The next morning, it was obvious that Birdie was so big and so strong she was taking nearly all of the milk. Her poor little brother and sister were just barely getting by. So, Birdie was picked to go on the bottle full-time and become a companion for Luna. They are so funny together and completely different personalities. Birdie is feisty, noisy and is a bottomless pit when it comes to the bottle. Luna is sweet, quiet and only wants to take her bottle if she is being held in my lap.

I'm not quite sure what the future holds for these two girls. They'll need to be integrated into the flock and spend time with the other lambs, but at this point I don't think Luna can handle it without getting hurt. I'm sure Birdie, on the other hand, will jump right in with all four feet and never look back (except when I show up with the bottles!).

I imagine you're asking......how in the world did I come up with the name Birdie? Though I wanted to name her something that was the opposite of Luna (because she is), but somehow the name Sunshine just didn't fit. Sitting with them one afternoon, Luna in my lap and Birdie, bright-eyed and jumping around, her face just looked like a bird to me. (And I had to come up with something because Mike was starting to refer to her as Tic.....as in Luna-Tic!)

21 comments:

  1. Luna is smiling at you in that last picture!
    Kim

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  2. I saw that sweet smile, too! (And Tic had a nice ring.... ;-)

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  3. Aww, is it possible to fall in love with a lamb over the internet? That sweet little smile has me wrapped around her hoof. It's a good thing you don't live nearby, I'd have to have them.

    Tic is too funny.

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  4. So sweet...Little Luna is so fortunate to have you to care so much for her. She is adorable! She can aspire to grow up and be a bit like Birdie...but a quieter version.
    Thanks for sharing with us. I love the last picture where Lina looks like she is smiling... :)

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  5. The tiny Luna is just adorable.....and I love the sweet smile!!

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  6. Are you SURE Luna will get too big for my backyard? Actually, since you have 2 bottle babies, I'm surprised one of them has not found a new home yet at our favorite lamb-raiser's farm.....especially since one was born on the EQUINOX!!!

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  7. They are both just adorable! I have to agree with the others that Luna looks to have a sweet smile on that precious face.

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  8. i love them both and am sending good vibes for them to grow up well and fit in.

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  9. What wonderful pictures!! Little Luna is precious!!!

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  10. Hamish The ExtraordinaryMarch 30, 2011 at 1:36 AM

    What amazing sweet little loves.. If only there was cuddle lamb cam......

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  11. Ooooh, what sweet little babies :) My heart beats for Luna though...she's such a cutie.

    I love how your husband was calling the larger one Tic !!!! So funny and clever !!! Birdie is such a cute name too though !!!

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  12. So freaking cute! And you're right, Birdies face does look like a bird, and little Luna couldn't be more precious! Glad I found your blog!

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  13. I LOVE this little pair of lambs...may they grow up to be charming ewes.....Thanks so much for their sweet stories !

    CORY
    I wish I could be a LAMBSITTER !

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  14. OMG, they are so adorable, I just want to come see them and cuddle with them. What a sweet story too. Thanks for sharing.

    Kathi

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  15. oh sweet~ we are still waiting for lambs and to see these pics just makes my heart hurt! (in a good way!).

    Blessings to you and your flock~

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  16. The story of their birth sure tugs at the heartstrings. They are both beautiful lambs who are very lucky to have you and your husband around for their delivery.

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  17. While I like the name Birdie for her, Luna-Tic really made me laugh. I hope they both thrive!

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  18. I just finished watching the webcam and got my chuckle for the day. Three baby lambs were trying to feed on the poor mother all at once and were jostling her about figting for position. She took it for awhile and then promptly began to walk away. She didn't get far before they caught up and were at it again. Love watching your precious sheep and lambs, but must get other things done! :-) Luna and Birdie are so adorable and am so glad they have each other.

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  19. ADORABLE and how amazing that Luna survived her ordeal. She is one special lamb. I have a friend who wants 2 sheep sometime. I think she needs to get a bottle lamb from you when the time is right. She doesn't have acreage yet. I feel certain she will one day :-)

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  20. Roth lambs are so sweet in thier own way. I love the Luna-Tic idea Too cute!

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