Don't let his "ah, shucks" expression fool you. This guy's been up to no good. At morning chores I was startled to discover the entire ewe lamb group in the breeding pen along with Teaberry and the ewes. I ran through the pasture to check the gate that separates the two adjacent paddocks. From a distance it appeared closed which mystified me until on closer inspection I saw that the latch had been bashed out of shape. In fact, the staple that held the latch was nearly pried from the post. 

So Holly rounded everyone up into catch pens and we spent the first part of the morning sorting sheep. The little girls are now on fresh pasture on the opposite side of the road. Thinking back to yesterday, I recall seeing a few of the little ewes gazing flirtatiously through the fence. Those little pop-tarts. I should know that a gate is not enough to stop a ram.

I've marked the date of the incident on the calendar and we'll just have to watch the girls closely come late February. Good grief.

Elsewhere on Patten Hill.  My neighbors' fowl have run of a patch of pasture. I love their hen hut on wheels. The guineas raise the alert every time I run by and got very agitated when I stepped closer to take some pics. I am living vicariously through my neighbors chickens. Last summer I had hoped to get some layers. I'm not interested in raising meat birds but would love my own supply of fresh eggs. Maybe next year.