It’s that time of year when the air is filled with the sounds of adorable little lambs bleating, and the smell of…well, let’s not focus on that. It’s a magical time, full of surprises, excitement, and, if you’re not careful, a whole lot of poop.
If you’re new to homesteading, or if you’ve never experienced lambing season before, there are a few things you should know. Here are five practical tips to help you survive and thrive during this wonderful, woolly time of year.
- Stock up on coffee – You’re going to need caffeine to get you through lambing season. Trust me, there will be times when you’re up all night, feeding and caring for newborn lambs, and you’ll wonder why you ever thought this was a good idea. That’s when you reach for the coffee.
- Invest in a good pair of boots Lambing season is a messy business. You’ll be trudging through mud, manure, and who-knows-what-else on a daily basis. A good pair of boots will keep your feet dry and (relatively) clean. Plus, they’ll give you that rustic, homesteader look that everyone is so envious of.
- Keep a sense of humor Let’s face it, there will be moments during lambing season when things will not go as planned. Lambs will get stuck in the birth canal, or they’ll come out backwards, or they’ll just refuse to nurse. It’s easy to get frustrated or even upset in these situations, but the best thing you can do is laugh it off. Trust me, a sense of humor will get you through even the toughest of times.
- Learn to use your hands (and your nose) During lambing season, you’ll be doing a lot of hands-on work. You’ll be checking for dilated cervixes, feeling for fetal positions, and, if necessary, helping with difficult births. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s all part of the job. And, while you’re at it, you’ll also become intimately familiar with the smells of the barnyard. Just remember, if you can’t handle the smell of lamb poop, you might want to reconsider this whole homesteading thing.
- Take time to enjoy the moment Amidst all the chaos and hard work of lambing season, it’s important to take a step back and appreciate the beauty of it all. Watching a mother ewe bond with her newborn lamb, or seeing a group of lambs frolicking in a field, can be truly magical. So, when things start to get overwhelming, take a deep breath, pour yourself a cup of coffee , and soak it all in.
So, there you have it. With a sense of humor, a good pair of boots, and a lot of coffee, you can survive and even thrive during lambing season on the homestead. Just remember, when in doubt, always trust your nose. And, of course, enjoy the adorable little lambs while they’re still adorable and little. They grow up so fast
