Hello There, Little Lamb

We’ve been on holiday, staying at the wonderful Coombe Mill in Cornwall. It’s been a holiday packed full of adventures, explorations and fun. The children have absolutely adored it, and I’ve so much about it to share with you, that I’m breaking it down, bit by bit!

The first story that comes to mind is a special one. We were out on the morning feed run on Tuesday, when we spotted that one of the sheep had had a little lamb over night. We all went on up to see how mother and baby were doing, and Farmer Nick informed us that by the looks of things, the lamb could only have been born in the last few hours. It was lovely watching them there together, with the little lamb wobbling about on her legs. Nick suggested we move them both down to the lower field, where it was safer from foxes, and he felt there may still be another lamb due to be born. So, a fellow holiday-maker grabbed the sheep and we all made to walk down to the field with the little lamb following along.

As we started to walk, there was a shout of ‘oh, look, she’s just had another one’, and there was another little white and black lamb right there on the floor in front of us! I have to say I was impressed that the mum was just about to be man-handled down to another field whilst in the final throes of labour, and made no sound or protestations at all! So we all backed away a little and gave the new little family some space.

lamb

It was amazing, seeing how mum knew just what to do, clearing her lamb’s airways first, then licking him clean and nurturing him. We left them to bond, and continued on to feed the goats and donkeys, and as we were riding back, little one was already up on his feet – animals are so much more impressive than humans!

Sadly, the following day when we went back, the mother had rejected her first born, and was refusing to allow her to feed and kept nudging her out of the shelter and away from her. She is thriving, though, in the warmth of Coombe Mill’s farmhouse, so hopefully she will be fine.

We’re assured that the feed run has never seen a live birth before, so we felt very privileged and were so fortunate with our timing. It was a special moment.

Follow on Bloglovin

Visit The Reading Residence’s profile on Pinterest.


Sharing is caring!

63 thoughts on “Hello There, Little Lamb”

  1. Yes I have seen so many animal births (mostly our dogs and cats, and 1 human birth courtesy of my cousin who gave birth at home) and its amazing how straight forward the process is. Its really beautiful to witness, seeing new life come out before your eyes.

  2. What a coincidence! The goat who gave birth at Miller’s Ark was very vocal though I have to say! Animals are more impressive than humans for about ten minutes then we take over I feel 😉

    1. No, she hasn’t. Fiona is still sharing the tales over on the Coombe Mill blog – the lamb is enjoying lots of cuddles from the family there!

  3. Snap on our stories this week! It was the highlight of the week on the farm and lovely to hear the same tale from your perspective. You will be pleased to know Ebony is very much thriving and spend much of yesterday in the sunshine with the other sheep who she has learned not to try and drink from. They children bring her back late afternoon and dote on her till bed time.

  4. Oh how very lovely, what added magic to your stay. I’m sure Fiona and her family will do a fantastic job of taking care of the rejected lamb too.

  5. Oh wow Jocelyn, what great timing. That must have been absolutely amazing, quite special I would have thought. A gorgeous photo although I’m sure you have many of those from Coombe Mill. I hope you had the most fantastic time. Thank you so much for sharing #whatsthestory

  6. What an exciting thing to witness, especially for the little ones! I wonder though why animals do that, reject their new born and refuse to feed them? Weird, albeit disturbing and yet at the same time fascinating to watch. #WhatsTheStory.

    1. I don’t know, it’s just fortunate that this lamb was born at Coombe Mill, so she’ll be well looked after. Bless her x

  7. wow what a magical experience to see and so lovely and unexpected! Animals are incredible aren’t they, they really do seem to have much stronger natural instincts around birth than we do! Sad that the first one was rejected though I am sure it’ll be well looked after at Coombe Farm! Can’t wait to read more about your week away! xx #magicmoments xx

    1. No doubt it’ll be we’ll looked after. They do have amazing instincts, and it was lovely to see them at their best x

    1. Very well looked after. I don’t think the mother will take her back, from what I understand. She’s been out there playing with the other lambs, though 🙂

  8. It’s such a wonderful reminder of nature and life to see and experience. Long ago I witnessed a birth of a lamb while on a walk in Yorkshire and still remember it to this day (well I was a Londoner so it really was quite special!). Look forward to hearing more of your stay.

  9. What a lovely experience for you all! It’s sad when they reject their lambs, I’ve always wondered why mother nature lets it happen…but I am sure there’s lots love love for the firstborn in the Coombe Mill farmhouse! #magicmoments

  10. Pingback: The Coombe Mill Feed Run | The Reading Residence

  11. Pingback: Our Stay at Coombe Mill | The Reading Residence

  12. Pingback: Spring at the National Forest Adventure Farm

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *