I've been spotting this little Canterbury Grass Skink over the last month... the biggest that I have seen, but by the time I get my phone out to take a photo it quickly scurries away... but not today, it hanged around for a couple pics.
Interestingly it seems to call home an area I fenced off and planted some natives, and the grass has gone wild as the sheep don't get at it.
I have never been prouder of Whiskers 🥰 as he stood his ground today, defending and protecting his 11 ram lambs from 2 yapping lap dogs going at him.
About 2pm I went to have an afternoon nap as my head was throbbing again, so I didn't initially hear the commotion until Gary came and woke me up and said there was 2 dogs attacking the sheep.
This is one of my worst fears with having sheep... there are so many news stories about sheep being mauled. I recall hearing about 1 lady losing her small flock twice to dogs.
I ran out thinking, I'll grab my walking stick as I'm legally entitled to kill dogs that are harassing livestock on my property... so that's my end game.
But when I saw what was going on, there were 2 Scottish Terriers focused on Whiskers as the lambs were behind taking shelter in the corner.
Whiskers was charging at them head down, trying to scare them off before he backed up and charged again as the little mutts wouldn't give up.
I've never been prouder of Whiskers defending his ground, his home and his flock.
I ran in to take over, instantly regretting my footwear choice... jandals instead of my boots in dealing with the ankle biters, but they soon ran off home.
The neighbour hearing the commotion came looking for her dogs but no apologies or to ask how the sheep are. I did hear some yelping from their way shortly after the incident, so I guess they got their punishment.
I couldn't see any injuries to the boys although the lambs must have been frightened as they are staying huddled together.
I rewarded Whiskers with some sheep nuts and love. He knows we're on the same team.
Well done, Whiskers!
A couple of paddocks had been closed off from the sheep while we grew the grass for our winter feed. The hay has now been harvested and is in the barn, so we are able to go for walkies again... a nice way to spend an afternoon with my Arapawa's.
My future firewood pile might have been commandeered by the lambs... I spent a good half hour watching them play. I think I've come to the conclusion that maybe that it is no longer a future firewood pile. The lambs are happy, and it makes me happy in that I no longer need to cut it all up. A Win Win!
What a great way to start the morning... 5am... 3°... running around outside trying to get a good Aurora 📸
All of a sudden, our Mommas have become BIG Mommas!
