One of my favorite things about having a flock of sheep is watching and learning about all the individual personalities and social dynamics of the group. I have been fortunate enough to be able to provide a place for sheep who needed homes and that has brought different breeds and traits together.
One of my favorite pairings that has come from this combining of flocks, is the bond between Ferdinand and Flora. Ferdinand came from the Mendocino coast as part of my Karakul flock even though he is a Romney cross. Flora, formerly known as Auntie, came from the interior of Mendocino county. Flora is on the left in the photo below and Ferdi is on the right. He has both horns and a tail.
It is funny because if I had to put two sheep together from my flock it would have been these two. They are so similar! They are some of my most timid sheep I have and only want to be near me if I have a little treat. They both stayed very close to sheep from their original flocks, until they found each other. They are some of the most beautiful sheep I have, these photos just don’t do them justice. Plus they provide my heaviest and finest fleeces in the flock. What a combo! They have found their other halves!
I first started noticing that these two were spending a lot of time together about a year ago. It just seemed like whenever I would see one of them, the other was always nearby. So I started actually paying attention. Now when I see one eating breakfast and the other is not with him or her I search for the missing friend as that is quite unusual!
They seem to take comfort in each other and I can see how they would be able to understand each other since they are so similar.
I feel very fortunate to have these darlings in my flock. They will feel comfortable around me someday as I always win everyone over eventually! It just takes time, patience and love.
Those are some of the most rewarding interactions I have, because it changes in just one day. I have experienced it many times. Someone will be nervous around me for a long time and then one day, they let me pet their face or scratch their back. From then on it’s like the trust gate has been opened and they never have the fear of people they once did.
I know that I’ll get there someday with Ferdinand and Flora too. Until then though, I’m so glad they have each others friendship to carry them through the days.
I love this photo because it reminds me of Lady and the Tramp eating spaghetti! 🙂
