Each Spring, we experience the overwhelming bliss of new life in all forms at The Inn at Honey Run. We are overjoyed by the growth and vibrancy found on the trees as they regrow their leaves and the flowers as they bloom. As the grass comes back to life, yet again, we have the opportunity to gaze across the countless shades of green blanketed on top of the rolling hills and forests of Northeast Ohio.
But there is one particular form of new life that everyone at The Inn, staff and guests alike, can’t help but rejoice in, and that is the “baa’s” of baby lambs shouting from the hilltop. It is a sound that floods us with glee and excitement as we make our way up toward the barn to greet our new flock members.
Since the new year, we have welcomed 13 healthy and happy-go-lucky lambs to our flock, including three sets of twins!
Meet our 2017 Recruits
Twins, Rex and Penelope
We began the season in September with twins, Penelope and Rex born to Paulina, a Grand Champion ewe. Penelope was born first and Rex second. While Rex was much smaller, he has grown into a fine young ram. Penelope and Rex had to be bottle fed within hours of being born because of a medical issue with Paulina’s milk sack. Penelope and Rex are very friendly just like their mom, and Penelope desires all of the attention from anyone who arrives at the barn.
Gessie
On January 24th, Gessie was born to Grace and Eddie, a Champion ram. Gessie has a large white crown on her head, known as a crown of glory. She is a well-built little ewe and is currently the queen of all the little lambs.
George
On February 14th, George was born to Gabbie, a first time mom. George’s father is Elliott, a fine ram who also had the show boat maintenance personality of his mother Paulina! George is a lively ram and loves to run and jump! Gabbie was part of our show flock last year. She was picked for straight lines and overall body structure. She placed in the top 5 overall!
Brooke
February 15th was a busy day! Brooke was the first of two lambs born on this day. Bonnie was a first time mom, and she is a Tunis and Suffolk cross. Brook has distinctive features with a crown of glory, brown body and auburn legs. Brooke is also the little instigator of the lambs. She can be found running and jumping on all the moms, much to their dismay!
Ginger
Also on February 15th, Gwen, a first time mom, gave birth just a couple hours later to Ginger. Gwen is the quintessential doting mother! Gwen is extremely vocal, baaing all the time. She has a watchful eye on daughter Ginger, and if for some reason, Ginger would not answer her mom’s call, Gwen would run around the barn baaing very loudly until she could find her little Ginger. Ginger can always be found lounging or sleeping and ignoring her mother’s calls.
Barbie
On March 8th, Betsy gave birth to Barbie. Betsy is an incredibly laid back and loving sheep. She will let you pet and rub her for hours. She has a beautiful face and the kindest of hearts. She is calm and caring. Barbie, however, must have gotten the wild gene from her father, because she is incredibly rambunctious and an instigator! She runs like the wind and can be found jumping on the other moms and stirring up the little lambs, but she also enjoys a good cuddle. She was born with large a crown of glory, too!
Twins, Jasper & Jake
Also on March 8th, Annie, a first time mom, gave birth to twin rams Jake and Jasper. Carter is the father. Annie has the personality of a princess! Annie was a bit perplexed when these little rams were born, and we worried she may not be the best mom. However, in true Annie fashion, she was not going to be outdone. She became a very loving and nurturing mom who kept a close watch on her boys. Jake inherited his mother’s, grandmother’s, and great grandmother’s personalities. It’s all about Jake! He loves a good rub and constantly seeks your attention, while Jasper is not into the limelight. (He is absolutely a mama’s boy!) He loves to play, but keeps his eye on mom at all times.
Chloe
On March 13th, Clarisse, a first time mom, gave birth to little Chloe. Clarisse has a BIG personality (despite her tiny little body) but a calm demeanor, and she slowly grew into a beautiful ewe. Chloe is the smallest of our lambs, but not quite as small as her mom at birth, and she has the personality of her aunt and grandmother – calm and loving. Chloe loves to cuddle with other lambs. She is a little cutie and is inquisitive. Chloe will be part of our show flock this year in the slick shorn category!
Twins, Rhett & Roscoe
On March 15th, Rose gave birth to twin rams, Rhett and Roscoe. Rose has been a great mom, but this time was different. She rejected Roscoe for reasons we are unsure of but believe it was because the muscles in his neck were not fully developed. He could not lift his head straight up but rather he looked like a turtle with his neck and head straight out. She would not allow this little guy to nurse nor would she nuzzle him, so we had to step in and bottle feed him. Rhett was a calm little ram with his mother’s personality of being laid back and living life like a dream. He is absolutely a mama’s boy! Roscoe is doing well, and the muscles in his neck are strong after much massaging. He is now able to lift his head normally! Being a bottle fed lamb makes him think he is all human. Roscoe follows us everywhere, and likes to play with the other lambs. He enjoys being held and nuzzled by us humans. When he hears Carla’s (one of our directors) voice, he calls back to her as if she is his mom! Roscoe is kind and loving, and when he grows up to be a 300 lb ram, he will probably try to jump in our laps as if he was still a little lamb. That could be a big problem! Yikes!
Some of our favorite and most lovable sights include watching a lamb wobbling around, attempting to balance on its new land legs and observing the natural maternal instincts of a mother sheep caring for her newborn. We hope you have the opportunity to visit us and experience first-hand the new life that spring brings to The Inn.
How beautiful the lambs and sheep are!!! Thank you for the pictures.
Please keep my heart at ease and tell me the fate of these animals is not the dinner plate.
I so hope that these animals are in a safe and loving sanctuary for all of their lives and are not slaughtered!!!
Karen, your heart can be kept at ease knowing we would never dream of eating any member of our flock family! On occasion we like to show off their beauty at local fairs and competitions, and otherwise, they are raised as the loving and adored pets that they are!