Pretty gray sheep

Iris’s Story

 Iris

Pretty gray sheep

Iris was born in April of 2001. She were born in Yelm, Washington on a small farm. This dear ewe came to find a forever home with me in the summer of 2006.

Iris gave birth to twins in March of 2008. Two big white boys which I named Turnip and Parsnip. She went through her labor independently without any assistance from me and I was able to watch the whole experience from across the barn.

Iris was a wonderful mother. She would lead her lambs around proudly and call to them if they wandered too far. They would even take turns sleeping on her back as she napped in the sun.  Iris has a quiet grace and sweetness about her that I find so endearing.

It took years for Iris to feel comfortable around people though. I had to spend many quiet hours with her earning her trust. Now she always greets me at the barnyard gate. Her favorite treats are crackers.

Iris grows very soft fiber. When washed her fleece becomes a shiny silver. She grows a smaller fleece in her golden years each weighing around 5 pounds.

I often see Iris near her sons even now. Watching these babies grow up I can see the deep bond between families. I could never sell them off or separate them as so many farms do.
Plum Blossom Farm is unique because all of the animals have a forever home here. Unlike other sheep farms, no animals are ever sold off to slaughter when they are done being “useful”. All our critters are sweet individuals and each one is like a family member to us. Thanks so much for supporting compassionate small farms!

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