A lot of people out there are worrying about Zelda, I’m writing this to reassure you. Zelda is not overdue, she is just about due. The vet came a couple of weeks ago and said it would be a few weeks before she gave birth. I used to get annoyed when people bombarded me with advice and worry about the animals here, but I have learned it is loving concern, not intrusive. I put up photos and stories about the animals every day, it is natural for people to worry about them. I see a lot of people are anxious about birthing issues.

I took this photo and put it up to reassure everyone, this is not a sheep you have to worry about, she is strong and healthy and will give birth precisely when she wishes. By all indications, she is close, she is dilated, her udders are down, her belly low, she is begging up with milk. It could be tomorrow, it could be a week or so, she is showing no signs of distress or discomfort. The only unusual thing we see is that she is often lying down to rest, otherwise she is always vigilant, up on her feet and with the other sheep.

In most cases, healthy sheep will give birth naturally and simply, you never know but there is no reason to be concerned about Zelda at this point. I can’t guarantee a healthy birth or a healthy lamb, I know better. Zelda seems to me both ready and healthy. We are ready too. Thanks for worrying about her, I understand it completely and it reminds me to offer some reassurance. In the real world of real animals, life can be unpredictable, but in Zelda’s case the odds are very good.