A family were left stunned after one of their sheep gave birth to rare twin lambs which were born completely different colours - one black and one white.



Tracey Simpson went to bed on Saturday night (15/3) knowing one of her ewes was due to give birth any minute at their farm in Wem, Shrops.

But she was unprepared to find the two lambs in the field the next morning – one black male and a white female.

Tracey said the ewe to the two lambs was a white Shropshire cross and the ram a white Ryeland so it was a mystery how they turned out different colours.

The family have since named the adorable new editions to their smallholding Freddie and Maisie.

Tracey said: "I just thought they were cute. "

"It was only when my mum told me just how rare an occurrence it was that I realised how special they are."

"When it happens in animal parks they often get a big rise in visitor numbers and I am not surprised as they are very cute."

Sheep born in separate colours from the same mother is a very rare occurrence, according to the National Sheep Association.

And while the future looks bright for Maisie, Freddie may not fare so well, which has upset daughter Holly Simpson and her best friend Bessy Rixon, both 16.

Tracey added: "We have nine ewes and six lambs on the farm now. "

"The female lambs we always keep to breed with but the males unfortunately we have to send to slaughter."

"The girls have already protested and I have a feeling that Freddie may end up being with us for a good while yet."