Post by Starchild on Mar 24, 2007 19:21:41 GMT
A Forest farmer got the shock of his life this week when one of his sheep became a record-breaker after giving birth to five lambs.The amazing multiple birth is a first for the county according to farmers and vets who say they have never heard of so many lambs being born at the same time before.
Brian Lake, 72, works at Ranchway Farm in Longhope, which is run by his son Richard.
He said: "We have had the same flock of pedigree sheep for 15 years.
"I can't believe the ewe has had five lambs.
"We had lots of ewes giving birth to four lambs, but the vet from Newent was amazed - he said he'd never heard of five before!"
The lambs were born at about 4pm on Tuesday, and Mr Lake called the vet after the ewe appeared to be having difficulty.
He said: "She kept trying to give birth but nothing was happening.
"It was obvious she was in pain.
"The vet came to make sure everything went okay.
"She's got all the lambs with her and they look all right.
"She is looking after them well although we have had to help bottle feed a few of them.
"The ewe seems happy."
Mr Lake, who has 17 grandchildren, said he was shocked when he saw all the new arrivals.
He said: "I was very shocked and surprised to see them - I didn't expect to see five.
"I haven't heard of this ever happening, anywhere else."
But Mr Lake said he wasn't particularly thrilled about the news.
He said: "I was a bit peeved to be honest.
"I've got to give them more attention and time than to a ewe who has only had two lambs."
Brian Lake, 72, works at Ranchway Farm in Longhope, which is run by his son Richard.
He said: "We have had the same flock of pedigree sheep for 15 years.
"I can't believe the ewe has had five lambs.
"We had lots of ewes giving birth to four lambs, but the vet from Newent was amazed - he said he'd never heard of five before!"
The lambs were born at about 4pm on Tuesday, and Mr Lake called the vet after the ewe appeared to be having difficulty.
He said: "She kept trying to give birth but nothing was happening.
"It was obvious she was in pain.
"The vet came to make sure everything went okay.
"She's got all the lambs with her and they look all right.
"She is looking after them well although we have had to help bottle feed a few of them.
"The ewe seems happy."
Mr Lake, who has 17 grandchildren, said he was shocked when he saw all the new arrivals.
He said: "I was very shocked and surprised to see them - I didn't expect to see five.
"I haven't heard of this ever happening, anywhere else."
But Mr Lake said he wasn't particularly thrilled about the news.
He said: "I was a bit peeved to be honest.
"I've got to give them more attention and time than to a ewe who has only had two lambs."
Gloucester Citizen