Yesterday we drove to Woodinville, Washington to pick up our new little sheep. They are Miniature Cheviots, a hardy breed originating in the Cheviot Hills between Northumberland in England and The Scottish Borders. They had a good time in the back of the truck on the way home. They got really excited one time when we were following a cattle truck. The smell?
When we got home we had to quickly build a little corral for them. They have not been on pasture so they have to transition slowly over about 10 days so they don't get bloat. So each day we'll give them a little more room.
So this is Grizel, the white female, and Percy, the black wethered male. They are named after famous people from the Cheviot area. They are half siblings - same father, different mothers. Eddie is the father. Mabel and Dot are the mothers.
They made lots of noise through the night last night, calling for their mommies. Our neighbors have a herd of Shetland sheep. They recently sold several of their spring lambs. So our lambs were calling for their mommies, and those sad mommies next door were answering. All night.
They settled down somewhat today, but got excited toward evening when they could see the other sheep moving around next door.
Evidently, this breed is a little wild and adventuresome. They might be fence jumpers. We'll see. We are in the midst of remodeling the goat/sheep house. Good thing we're having such nice weather. No worries about them getting rained on in the next several days.
Goats like them too. Here's George saying hello:
More to follow as we get to know them.
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