Winning Willow over
A young ewe is building courage to approach the shepherd. Trust takes time.
Someone asked me recently if I could tell the difference in personality between my sheep. For sure!
I know that older ewe Trix leads the flock. If there's an opening in the fence she'll get a crazy look and bolt, causing the other sheep to follow. I know bottle lamb Maple will always be a baby, jumping on me anytime I try to pet the others.
One ewe we sheared last spring flipped from fearful to lapdog. My son renamed her "Sheep Dog." When I'm kneeled down working on anything, she throws her hoof on my knee like a golden retriever.
We're working on badger-face Willow. She was born about six months ago and she always stays an arm's distance away.
I pulled off my glove last night and let her approach on her own terms. She comes up and gently head-butts my hand, retreats, then butts again.
Each time I give her attention she gets a little more brave. Last night she let me touch her nose.
We're getting there!