[Sylvia]

I don't know how to start this except to say BLOODY FOXES, BLOODY BADGERS.!!!!!!!!!!!!
One of my Shetland ewes didn't lamb along with her sisters in April and I was resolved that she had finished with breeding, she is quite old.
To my surprise she was missing at digestive biscuit time yesterday evening and I found her with a newborn ewe lamb. I tried to entice her into the ark by carrying her baby to it but she refused to leave the hedge. Thinking she may be about to lamb a twin I left her for half an hour then went back. she was delivering the afterbirth and still only one lamb but still wouldn't leave that spot.
Then I heard a rustling in the hedge, behind the rabbit proof fencing and, after thinking, bird, rabbit,what on earth, found a newborn lamb. I had to go and get wire cutters and cut up the fence to get him out, still wet and slimy. How he got there only Bluey the ewe knows but she couldn't have made things clearer to me that he was there if she could talk.
All well that night and at five this morning. I went up at lunch-time and no sign of the lambs, only poor Bluey walking up and down the fence, calling then coming up to me to ask if I had them and could I help find them.
We searched everywhere, not a sign.
If only the fox-rescuers and badger saviours could witness that poor ewes distress
I won't breed again until I have some way of lambing indoors but that doesn't help now. I can't stop howling along with my poor old ewe.

[tizaala]

Heartbreaking for both of you,

[SallyintNorth]

Such a sad story, Sylvia    Poor old Bluey and poor you. 

Some folks reckon llamas and alpacas can protect sheep flocks?

[Sylvia]

I've thought about that, Sally but would alpacas know the difference between a fox and my tiny dogs?

[SallyintNorth]

I've thought about that, Sally but would alpacas know the difference between a fox and my tiny dogs?

Now that I can't answer - but the folks on the camelid board might...

[CaroleBulmer]

My heart goes out to you both.  I had a lamb last year that had both eyes pecked by crows - it was still alive - it is a picture that will stay with me forever. Nature is so cruel and people who dont understand think that all animals are sweet and cuddly!!

[in the hills]

   So sorry

[Haylo-peapod]

So, so sad, very sorry for your loss 

[Mammyshaz]

  Very distressing for you both. (((hugs))))

[Brucklay]

That's terrible Sylvia - so bad for both you and Bluey - don't know what to say but I know how I would feel and it's not very nice .......

[sabrina]

How sad, poor old girl after giving birth to lose her babies 

[jaykay]

Oh, poor Bluey and poor you {{{{hugs for both}}}}

[clydesdaleclopper]

That must be heartbreaking

[omnipeasant]

There is nothing worse than a grieving ewe. I really empathise with mine wether it be a lost lamb to the fox or a still born lamb. Such a shame. Hope she has lambs next year for both of your sakes.

[Hazelwood Flock]

Oh no    and after all the poor old girl has been through. Could lurk with a shotgun loaded with BBs!