We acquired our 6 Poll Dorset ewes at the end of July... just before we lost James, comforting that one of his last wishes was fulfilled and that he knew how delighted I was with them. Since then they have changed from being rather suspicious, to being really cuddly,... one, ,Ezmi, has become so tame that she likes to touch noses... but this has caused a real issue!!
Vincent has been included in the group, firstly to keep him occupied while his best friend and brother, Dudley is tupping his girls but also to give him some experience in being a body guard for the Dorsets. It is this that he has taken rather too seriously,.. The little bottom next to Ezmi is this picture is his, and after taking this shot, I gave her a proper cuddle and stroked her nose, telling her how lovely she is............ Vincent took exception to this and started to gently butt me........ I made the mistake of ignoring him... so he have me a right wallop. I ended up having to defend myself......... giving him a bit of a wallop back on his nose....... he soon understood that I meant business, but instead of giving up, backed up to have another go, so I threatened him with the bucket and he soon came back to apologise...... He tried his luck a second time the next day, and then again with Nigel, who had been warned but didn't take any notice .... He does now!!!!
We have cured the behaviour with more cuddles for him before paying any attention to the others..... I think it was a combination of protection and jealousy!!....... but we are watching our backs while he is still with them....... the girls just watched and carried on munching.. rather unimpressed!! ......... I guess boys will be boys!!
Dudley displayed the same behaviour when he first had a harem, and we had to do the same with him...... now he only does it in fun and gently rubs his head up and down my leg when he's pleased to see me!!!!.... and when he realizes what he's doing, you can see it dawn on his face and he looks all bashful and apologetic!!
The first 2 Dorset's are due to lamb on the 17th November... with the others a fortnight later.......... I can't wait!!
Vincent has been included in the group, firstly to keep him occupied while his best friend and brother, Dudley is tupping his girls but also to give him some experience in being a body guard for the Dorsets. It is this that he has taken rather too seriously,.. The little bottom next to Ezmi is this picture is his, and after taking this shot, I gave her a proper cuddle and stroked her nose, telling her how lovely she is............ Vincent took exception to this and started to gently butt me........ I made the mistake of ignoring him... so he have me a right wallop. I ended up having to defend myself......... giving him a bit of a wallop back on his nose....... he soon understood that I meant business, but instead of giving up, backed up to have another go, so I threatened him with the bucket and he soon came back to apologise...... He tried his luck a second time the next day, and then again with Nigel, who had been warned but didn't take any notice .... He does now!!!!
We have cured the behaviour with more cuddles for him before paying any attention to the others..... I think it was a combination of protection and jealousy!!....... but we are watching our backs while he is still with them....... the girls just watched and carried on munching.. rather unimpressed!! ......... I guess boys will be boys!!
Dudley displayed the same behaviour when he first had a harem, and we had to do the same with him...... now he only does it in fun and gently rubs his head up and down my leg when he's pleased to see me!!!!.... and when he realizes what he's doing, you can see it dawn on his face and he looks all bashful and apologetic!!
The first 2 Dorset's are due to lamb on the 17th November... with the others a fortnight later.......... I can't wait!!
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