by Tria Stebbing

IT is a year now since our very special ram King was born. His arrival was swift and calm, and at the time we were blissfully unaware of the relevance of his name.

Last year the letter to identify the year for the breed was ‘K’ and from the off his stature and majesty earned him the nickname King, which stuck with him. King by name and King by nature.

He has become the most handsome placid ram, popular with all who meet him and very keen on his ladies. He loves human company and likes nothing better than a head rub and ginger biscuits, while basking in the sun in a field of lush grass.

In October he took a holiday to a care farm in Boyshill where he established himself in a flock of females, the result being some very peculiar markings on a spate of new lambs on the farm, all of which appear to be sharing his disposition.

What does the future hold for our King? He is currently enjoying life in his home village, munching his way through a large field, where he will stay until we find him his forever home. God save the King.

Lambing for us has just finished and all the sets of twins are thriving and healthy.

For those that have followed the column since the beginning, my Disney mis-marked Princess this year has given birth to a black sheep with some awesome downright wrong markings, a bit like someone took a step back and threw white paint at her. She will just like the rest, be very loved.

The weather got warmer, and they were out in the field at less than 24 hours old, trotting behind their mums learning about that big wide world.

It never ceases to amaze me that they are born and within 10 minutes are trying to stand up and drink, and within 24 hours are out on grass and attempting to nibble at it.

At less than a week old we noticed one of the larger rams drinking from the water bucket. It puts us humans to shame, taking at least four months before moving onto anything remotely solid in the way of nutrition.

We have decided to reduce the size of the flock as we are getting a bit large, which was never the intention.

We bought a few to eat the grass at the field, and now have too many to do that. If you happen to hear of anyone needing a few grass mowers, be sure to get in touch, we will always be on hand to give advice, and it’s a great way of starting your own flock.