Ewe won't believe it! Carndonagh sheep delivers quadruplet lambs in spring surprise

An Inishowen teenager got an unexpected springtime surprise when one of his ewes gave birth to not three – but four healthy lambs.

Nineteen-year-old Stephen Collins, who lives on the family farm at Ballyloskey, Carndonagh, was keeping a close eye on one of his horned ewes that had been scanned earlier in the season.

The scan showed the pregnant sheep was carrying three lambs, which in itself would have been a good result for the young farmer. But nature had one more surprise in store.

Stephen was nearby when the ewe began lambing, and he helped safely deliver the three lambs that had been expected. However, as he watched over the mother and her new arrivals, he noticed the ewe lie down again and begin pushing.

Moments later, a fourth lamb appeared, which was quite a shock.

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All four lambs were born healthy – three ewe lambs and one ram lamb – the offspring of a champion ram from Waterford.

Quadruplet lambs are very rare, as most sheep typically give birth to one or two lambs.

For Stephen, who is actively involved in the family farm, the unusual arrivals have proved to be a great start to the busy spring lambing season.