We usually let ewes begin lambing in the large pen, with the other expectant ewes. After the first lamb is born, The Farmer will let her care for it for a few minutes. Then he will go in and pick up the lamb (or lambs, if he's arrived after multiple births) and move slowly out of the large pen. In this case, the lamb is the bait that makes the ewe move, too. She is very concerned about her lamb, and will follow closely, calling out the whole time. The ewe and her lamb(s) are placed in a small lambing pen, called a jug. I have no idea why they are called jugs. If anyone knows the origin of that term, I'd love to know. They are kept there for 1-3 days to ensure that they bond, and that the ewe is caring for her lambs well. No distractions. We set up a whole row of temporary jugs during lambing time. This is one of our hay storage areas, so we need to be sure that we've used most of this hay up before lambing begins. After their time in the lambing jugs, the ewe...
Love the pic of all your peaches! What a good idea to spread them out, I have never thought of that. I have a bushel's worth in two boxes that are waiting to be canned, should I spread them out too so the bottom ones don't rot?
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How wonderful! So few people "put up" fruits and veggies in my neck of the woods -- Southern Cal just isn't that kind of place. But I do have a neighbor who cans wonderful applesauce every fall. :)
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ReplyDeleteLaying them out on papers prevents one mushy peach from adversely affecting its neighbor. If you have one going bad, it will spread its badness to the peaches around it (that's why we lay them out, not touching). The basement floor is cool, so that helps prolong their life. When I come home with a basket of peaches, I'll put a bunch in the fridge for eating later--but these must not be soft, mushy peaches. I'll use up the soft mushy ones right away. Then I'll can the rest in waves, as they ripen up. So YES! If you have someplace cool to spread them out, do it.
Okay, thanks so much Lona. I have found a flat surface for the contents of one of the boxes, but need to spread out the second box as well. We were gone all day yesterday so I'm just doing my first batch today. I'm sure your advice will give me a bigger yield. Thanks again!
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