No, make that GREAT news! If you haven’t met Timber already, he is a bottle lamb we adopted from our friend Deb’s flock this Spring. He was born with some twisty bones and his mama sheep could not care for him. His twin is still with mom so she did not lose both her babies. It’s the last thing I like to see is a lamb taken if mom can take care of them. They honestly do mourn for their babies.
SO, Timber never gave up, neither did Deb. He has determination of a champ and was walking and trying so hard. He could have stayed with his mom but he could have been hurt by his twin or mom if they stepped on him. I am so lucky Deb asked me to adopt him. I’m sure you ALL know how much I love my bottle lambs!
Of course it was love at first site for me. He is an East Friesian sheep and family of several of our other sheep. He’s been bunking in my office with me, romping on the front porch when the door can be open and having walks outside every day.
He has some challenges to be sure but our motto is if they try, we try too. Until they tell us they can’t go on. This little lamb has no idea he is challenged- I’m quite sure his issues bother me much more than they ever will him! (Remember though, I am a sissy farmer!)
Today we had our vet visit to have a look at Timber. He’s almost 6 weeks old now (?) and I was worried so much. I figured he had a heart murmur but he wheezes and sounds like a steam train when he is stressed or running too much? His crooked bones are the way he grew inside of mom with his twin. The got a little less room it seems? Smooshed! His neck is a little tilted and he is just a little bit twisty. The breathing issues are what had me most worried.
Our vet had a good look at Timber and found he has a grade 5 (worst is 6) heart murmur. It is not one that will heal itself closed as he grows. Phooey. THAT said, his trachea is not twisted, his bones are not going to twist any more as he grows and his lungs are fine. The wheezing comes from his sinuses being crooked. Timber already self-limits his activities and that is what he should continue to do. He’s not suffering or in pain. Hooray!!!
Best news? Despite all those challenges, our vet said Timber should live for 5 to 7 years! I’m so so happy!
Stay tuned for more about Timber- he’s got a new friend to keep him company named Isaac. Much more to come!
