Triplet Trials
By Alison Park, 05 April 2011 –
We can enjoy the spectacle of our Swaledales producing triplets, but only briefly. Unlike some breeds they are not able to produce enough milk to feed three lambs. Mothering on is a common solution: a sheep that has had only one lamb is given another to feed. Sheep learn to accept the foster lamb by recognising its smell. Brother-in-law Gary in the Dales has more than 1000 Swaledales. What does he use? ‘Perfume,’ he says, unexpectedly. So, having raided his teenage daughters’ dressing tables, farmer Richard squirted scent three times: on the sheep, her actual lamb and the potential foster lamb. Within 48 hours it will become clear whether the sheep will feed the interloper. Richard’s girls are more than willing to lend perfume; it lessens the odds of being given the job of bottle feeding by hand.