A boy and a girl

I found them out in the rain this morning and I brought them into the sheep barn and into a pen

The loved it all – bottle feeding a lamb, meeting ducks and goats and chickens and geese

They brought me a bunch of tulips

We were fortunate to live in a hamlet in Devon over 45 years ago, where we were friends and neighbours with the wonderful Maltby family. John Maltby was a renowned potter and sculptor and we are privileged to have several of his creations, some of which were made for special family birthdays and my parent’s anniversaries at 40 years and then 50 years. We enjoy them to this day and remain close (but geographically distant) friends with John and Heather’s daughter. For more on our Devon life (and much more besides) see ‘Jews Milk Goats’ available on Amazon.

New book out now, ‘Cohencidence’ also on Amazon

Her small cries during her last hour were so heart rending that I cried – all I could do was stroke her head and back but I don’t know if that soothed her. After she took her last breaths I poured myself a calming glass of whisky and reflected on the six little lambs outside who are thriving. They don’t all survive but it is always sad to watch an animal suffer and it never gets easier.

She won’t feed and Perky, her mother, spends most of her time out on grass and away from the lamb. Perky has a full udder but wouldn’t feed either twin.

I’ve brought Beatrice into the kitchen and will try and feed her little and often but without any real hope of success. Sad

I will continue to bottle feed her – little and often. Her mother won’t feed her (can’t be bothered?) but is attentive click below

We prepared the “kitchen cage” last used for a duckling

And previously used for Wiggle and other poorly, orphaned or rejected lambs.

I’m not at all sure she will survive. She’s very weak, doesn’t want to feed and whatever we have gotten into her has come straight through. It’s not looking good but we will do our best to keep her comfortable.