Babydoll Sheep at Big Country Ranch

We have had the opportunity to place some lambs in some really amazing homes. This is one of those homes and a perfect way to wrap up our 2021 lambing season. This family has waited so long and researched and prepared to give these lambs everything they need to start a new journey. These are the moments that validate our homing process and make me smile. Precious, precious moments!

Getting these babes ready to go home with their new family! This is such a sweet group and we are going to miss them. This is the last of our 2021 lambs. We are keeping 2 ewes to join our breeding program.

This was 7 years ago. 3 LGDs vs. Mt. lion. This is why we never recommend anything but an LGD. Know your predators. No sheep were touched, but this girl would have fought to the death...and nearly did. No donkey or alpaca or llama could have fought this off. Belle survived and lived another 4 years before she crossed the rainbow bridge at the age of 13.

Always something to do around here. Got our hay delivery yesterday so I'm loading the girls' barn first. Duplo didn't want the hay I put in the feeder Reminder: 2021 lambs all have new homes.

Well, as of last week, these ladies are done breeding and back together. Lambs are expected to start arriving around the 23rd of March. Always so excited to see these cute faces, making little cute faces! Here's some pics of their reunion back to the girls' pasture.

Received my new phone today so if you usually text or call, you may do so again. Lost a few photos, but was able to backup quite a few before my phone died. Guess I'll have to get out and get some new photos. Have a great week.

My phone has been on the fritz for a while and took it's last breath this morning. Send me a message if you need something. Then be patient because I don't FB every day. Here's Colt, waiting his turn with the ladies. He'll be our clean up breeder this year. In full rut.

Our LGDs are a huge asset to our little ranch. We sleep better at night because we know these dogs are taking care of the perimeter. Because we often get below freezing on winter nights, we make sure our dogs have good shelter with a raised bed and pad as well as warm meals when the weather is cold. I heat chicken broth with rice and veggies, add oatmeal, an egg or two and fish oil capsules. Often we see our dogs rolling and laying in the snow, but we know they are burning extra calories and we don’t mind adding to their winter coat. Don’t worry our non-working dogs get some too! Our Wolfie pups (watching in the background) seem to have forgotten that they ate already

Temps have dropped almost 30* in one day. Perfect scenario for pneumonia for our outdoor critters. Keep an eye out for icky noses or labored breathing. Add some bedding and make sure you have shelter for your babes. Extra calories are burned to stay warm so keep an eye on body score. This time if year it is better to have a little meat on the bones. These 3 boys are bonding while the ladies are breeding. Always begging for more food!

This young man has waited soooo long to bring home his new girls. Honey, Iris, and Kandi finally went to their new family today. This family has been preparing for their flock for over a year. They have done so much research and asked a lot of questions during their wait. We just know they will be the perfect parents to these lambs. Such an exciting day for us and for them. Congratulations John and Sarah!

Burn unit for critters. This unit is set up in Hollister. https://www.facebook.com/donate/1339230066468168/?fundraiser_source=external_url

CA shepherds, we have space available for sheep being evacuated if you can get them to us or meet us. We also have a 2 horse slant available for use. Please be safe and put a plan in place. We are safe and far from current fire danger.

Kandi is getting so big! She has the cutest head. Our CA pastures look like mars this time of year

A shepherd friend sent this to me today. Too funny not to share. Have a great weekend.

Nico went home with his new family on Tuesday. I have a feeling he will not be neglected!

Ocho got to meet his new family today! He has a new lamb buddy and even got a new name! It is so satisfying when we find the perfect fit for our lambs. We know Cooper will be well cared for and get plenty of love.

Sorry I’ve been absent lately. Social media is not my thing. Too much to do and too much garbage on FB. The goal is to have new website up and running before the end of summer. In the 17 years we have owned these sheep, we have never needed FB and it has only become a burden. I’m always available for questions and inquiries via email and phone calls. I will update a link to the new website when it is ready. These two boys had a vet visit last week. Castration and rest in smaller pen away from the other lambs. Ocho will go to a new home this weekend and Magnus will stay here on the ranch for a while.

Nico cheats for treats while Ocho waits his turn.

After day weaning for a week, the lambs spent their first nights together without their mamas, over the weekend. They are all doing well and getting lots of attention in a smaller playpen.

FYI, OUR 2021 WAITING LIST IS FULL. Look at how big these beautiful lambs are getting! Except Aleu, she's still bitty. Day weaning for some to start this week.

Another busy weekend, but this time we spent it with our ewes. All the girls are naked and ready for the 80* weather next week. Pedicures are complete too! Hopefully we will get to the rams next weekend, but my husband has been really sick with a sinus infection for the last 3 weeks. He is slowly getting better, but we are in pollen season now so it has been a bit of a battle. Alley was first to volunteer with Honey looking a little confused by her new look. The girls feel so much cleaner and lighter and rest quietly in the barn. So many colors under all that wool. Babygirl is waiting to go down in the pasture and Nicky wants a scratch on the nose. I love my girls in full fleece, but am usually so ready to take it off and start fresh again. Still cute in my eyes. Perhaps a face only a mother could love

Honey, are you in there??