A Quick update on our Spring babies

Time for a quick update on our spring babies! We’ve currently got a dozen lambs so far in the Historic Area, with more on the way. Six ewes are still due to have little ones over the next few weeks - so keep an eye out for more lambs!

When I went out to visit our newcomers, I found some snuggling with mom. Of course, this one seemed to be sticking its tongue out at me.

If you want to see what kind of reaction you can get, you can currently find the lambs behind the Robert Carter House near the Governor’s Palace and behind the Wythe House. They move regularly, though, so ask our ticketing staff for the most recent updates.

There have been four sets of twins so far. Several were bottle fed by our Coach and Livestock team to make sure they got enough milk. Seems like one sibling always has to be on top…

The weather is getting warmer, so shade is at a premium. Don’t fret, though, our Coach and Livestock team keeps a sharp eye on the animals to make sure they are cool, watered, and doing well regardless of the weather.

This one is catching a little shut-eye…

The momma sheep are happily bonding with their babies, and cuddling with them despite the warmer weather. The mothers will continue to nurse their babies (and our staff will continue to help bottle feed them) until the lambs are regularly drinking water and eating solid food.

The sheep would love you to visit. But remember, no matter how cute-or hungry-they look, please don’t feed any of the animals. Despite what they may try to tell you with their big adorable eyes and sweet bleating, they are better off on momma’s milk and the food specially provided for them.

If you are keen to see them being fed, our colleagues make the rounds to all the pastures twice a day. morning feedings occur from about 6 to 9:30 a.m, and afternoons between 3 and 4:30 p.m.

That being said, if you see someone feeding the animals something they shouldn’t be eating, please do not hesitate to contact us so we can check up on the animals and make sure they don’t get sick!

Ewe don’t need to worry, there’s more than just lambs to visit. Savannah, our Jersey milk cow, recently had a calf. We found them behind the Randolph House. Savannah was milked as part of an afternoon program. We’re also expecting some Devon calves to be born as early as next week. You can bet that with all the adorable calves it will be udder chaos…

We will soon have some chicks in a few weeks. They are not expected until Mid-May, but when they hatch you can bet they will be egg-stremely cute…

No more animal puns, I promise!

If you want to see and learn all about our Rare Breed program, click here to find days when you can take part!

There are many ways to spend time with Williamsburg’s animals. Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride: your driver will be able to tell you all about them. Or try an ox wagon ride around Palace Green. The Bits and Bridles tour of our Coach & Livestock facilities takes place five times a week where you can view our facilities and vehicles, discuss animal treatment and training, and get up close and personal with some of our animals!

If you love the animals as much as we do, please support our Rare Breeds program.

I am ready for my close-up! Are you?

GUEST BLOGGER: MEGHAN MCNICHOLAS

Meghan McNicholas has been with Colonial Williamsburg since July 2016. She moved to America from Ireland in 2016 and loves everything about Virginia – the history, the weather, the animals (except the mosquitoes), and the culture. Her favorite part of working for Colonial Williamsburg is the opportunity to go out into the historic area and interact with the interpreters and take photos.