I did chores as usual this morning- I fed hay to the rams, bottle fed the two lambs, checked and changed everyone’s water…
But then I noticed that everything was too quiet. Our older bottle lamb,Steven was not baaing for the “cookie” he gets each morning . Usually, he would be insisting on my attention. The cookie has oats, cornmeal, molasses, salt and vegetable oil, so just a bit of extra energy so he won’t have to bad a setback from being weaned off milk.
Today, I found him lying down next to another lamb, looking poorly. When I got him up, he was lethargic and sad, with drooping ears and a sad posture. I’m thinking he has pneumonia and a touch of anemia – just too much stress from weaning.
I brought him in to the house, where he drearily half-followed me. Time for some penicillin, some Nutri-Drench, and a little TLC. I admit that I gave him a bit of milk, hoping that the hit of nutrients and hydration would offset the potential for an upset tummy. And he did perk up with the milk, but he certainly isn’t out of the woods.
So if you have a moment, please spare a thought for Steven. I think he will recover, but nothing is guaranteed. We are watching Great British Bake-Off and petting him on the couch.
A Sick Sheep
