All the ewes came running to the fence last week when they saw Anna Belle approaching for the first time. I was expecting they would sniff and posture for a bit and then the flock would take a few pot-shots at her until she stayed a polite distance from the rest of them. The next few days I expected to witness plenty of headbutting as the flock determined a new pecking order based upon the size, age, status, and confidence of each ewe.
There wasn't a bit of that. Rachel, my head ewe, sniffed noses with Anna Belle for a brief moment. And then, as if they had agreed upon it, Rachel and Anna Belle turned to face the flock as two reigning Sister Queens. I really felt I could read "mutual regard" in their expressions.
Rachel has always behaved superior to the other ewes in the flock, as though she tolerates them and knows they depend upon her leadership. I'm surprised how comfortable Rachel seems to be with the addition of a ewe that appears to be her equal; as if she enjoys the company. I know I like to live with a person that fully understands me. Maybe Rachel and Anna Belle do too. They seem content and pleased.
I'm glad they have each other.
There wasn't a bit of that. Rachel, my head ewe, sniffed noses with Anna Belle for a brief moment. And then, as if they had agreed upon it, Rachel and Anna Belle turned to face the flock as two reigning Sister Queens. I really felt I could read "mutual regard" in their expressions.Rachel has always behaved superior to the other ewes in the flock, as though she tolerates them and knows they depend upon her leadership. I'm surprised how comfortable Rachel seems to be with the addition of a ewe that appears to be her equal; as if she enjoys the company. I know I like to live with a person that fully understands me. Maybe Rachel and Anna Belle do too. They seem content and pleased.
I'm glad they have each other. 
2 comments:
That really is a wonderful introduction story! I guess sheep relationships are every bit as complex as human ones. So nice that Rachel has Anna Belle and vice versa....
Hey Sabrina, what a great description you gave us. I remember Rachel's ways. Definitely seeing herself as the queen (great word choice). She and my favorite ewe, Cocoa used to battle quite a bit. Neither would back down, even when dinner was served and lambs were afoot. Unfortunately there was only room for one queen here so I had to make a choice. I still miss Rachel's wonderful fleece!
Post a Comment