We recently started a Pasture Lambs Project for 4-H at a San Jose farm and have been waiting in anticipation for the 15 lambs arriving this Tuesday. One Saturday in late March, other 4-H kids, their parents, and the project director worked together to put up electrical fences (to keep out coyotes), set up a canopy area for shelter from the hot sun, and shade tent, and install a corral area for the lambs to herd together. This Saturday, we will move the fences to another part of the untouched pasture since they are devouring the grass on the side they are on now.
These lambs are a Dorset cross breed, originating from Southwest England. They are docile grazers bred mainly for meat production.
For the next 2-3 months, kids will have the pleasure and responsibility of taking care of them by keeping the water trough filled, ensuring they are eating well, kept safe from sneaky coyotes, and overall staying healthy while in our care. In the next week, they will be given alfalfa hay, which is a treat they love, and we’re hoping that will help us get close enough to actually pet one of them. Also, they will receive loose mineral salt to ensure they get the essential nutrients they need.
In general, lambs get startled quickly and will run away as a herd if you get too close. So we are learning how to herd them with all 4 of us standing at various points around the herd and walking in, one step at a time, to direct them towards the corral.
The heaviest lamb of this lot weighs 122 pounds, and they are 3-4 months old.
17 responses to “Pasture lambs project with 15 cute lambs”
Wonderful place. That’s your farm. Nice you sharing a Pasture Lambs Project for 4-H at a San Jose farm. Beautiful all photos. Nice doing your kids & you. Beautiful nature beauty place. I like.
Nice pic Ellis start by the herd looking and then running in her direction. but not so successful in this attempt.
Thanks New topic share My dear friend, Esther!
Thank you, Raj! It’s a great experience for us to be out in nature and to learn how to take care of lambs. We’ve been busy with the lambs, taking care of a rabbit for a friend, and of course, our little Dart.
Ellis was freaked out when the lambs ran in her direction…we have a new herding strategy and she will not stand where the lambs can run in her direction. lol
What a great idea to involve the youngsters in caring for the lambs 🫠💙
Yes, we’re all learning together! Hopefully, the lambs will get comfortable enough for us to get close and maybe pet one of them. For now, they keep their distance.
Seems like a decent adventure, especially for kids
It’s a lot of fun for the whole family and the lambs are really cute!
What fun, to see this 4-H project. The lambs are as cute as your kids! There’s going to be a lot of learning going on, that’s certain. Sheep play a role at the Houston rodeo, too. There’s an event called ‘mutton busting.’ where the kids try to stay on sheep — it’s akin to bull riding, but on a much smaller and safer scale. It’s great fun to see, too!
Oh my gosh, the “mutton busting” rodeo sounds like serious fun. You’re enlightening me to new animal events, like the rabbit festival in Louisiana.
We’re all learning quite a bit about shepherding and how to take care of lambs. Standing out in the pasture with those lambs and just our family felt surreal. It’s a new and educational experience for us! I’m so glad you are enjoying our 4-H posts.
Here’s a short video of this year’s Houston Rodeo mutton bustin’ champion — including an interview with the winner!
How very fun!
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It’s a lot of fun to be outside and to learn about shepherding! I remember you were interested in 4-H earlier, have you looked into it?
I like that little hop. 🙂 I had no idea they grew that quickly!
I didn’t know lambs could hop that high! They’re considered lambs up to one year, and an ewe can weigh up to 200 pounds while a ram can be 275 pounds. We’re going back to the farm tomorrow to move the fencing since they’ve eaten through a large patch of grass they are on now.
I had no idea they weighed that much Esther – they are “chonky” aren’t they? I’ll bet that will be an everyday task for you moving the fnce to give them more grass to eat – no wonder they got so heavy!
The kids (children, not baby goats) must be having such fun with the lambs!
They are having so much fun with this project! It would be nice if the lambs were not that afraid of us and would let us get close to them. Take one step towards them, and they’re off in the opposite direction.
Maybe they know they’re destined for the dinner table?