Lambing Care Guide

Lambing Care Guide

Lambing Care Guide

Lambing is one of the most critical and rewarding times in sheep farming. It marks the birth of new lambs, and the health and care provided to both the ewe (mother sheep) and the lambs during this period directly affect the success of the lambing process. Proper lambing care ensures healthy lambs, prevents complications, and supports the ewe’s recovery. 

1. Preparing for Lambing

Preparation is key to a smooth lambing process. Before lambing begins, farmers should ensure that the environment and the ewes are ready for the birth. Key preparations include:

• Create a Clean, Safe Lambing Area: A clean and quiet lambing pen should be available for each ewe. This reduces stress and the risk of infections. The pen should be dry, well-ventilated, and free of hazards like sharp objects or overcrowding.

• Prepare Lambing Supplies: Gather necessary supplies in advance, including:

  • Clean towels for drying lambs

  • A bucket of warm water for washing the ewe (if needed)

  • Lubricant for difficult births

  • A thermometer to check the lambs’ and ewe’s temperatures

  • A clean pair of gloves for assisting with lambing if necessary

  • A bag of lambing fluid or iodine to disinfect the lamb's navel

  • Colostrum or milk replacer for lambs, in case the ewe is unable to nurse

• Check Ewe's Condition: Ensure that the ewe is in good health before lambing. This includes checking her body condition, providing appropriate nutrition, and monitoring for any signs of illness or complications that might affect her ability to lamb.

2. Recognizing Signs of Impending Lambing

Lambing typically occurs 145 to 150 days after breeding. However, the signs that a ewe is about to lamb can vary. Common signs include:

• Behavioral Changes: The ewe may become restless, isolated from the rest of the flock, or seek out a quiet area. She may also begin to paw at the ground or lie down frequently.

• Physical Changes: The udder will become noticeably enlarged and may produce milk or colostrum as lambing nears. The vulva will swell and may show signs of mucus discharge.

• Nesting Behavior: Many ewes will start arranging bedding or nesting in preparation for giving birth.

• Lambing Timeline: The actual process of lambing can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours for a ewe giving birth to her first lamb. However, more experienced ewes may lamb more quickly.

3. Assisting with the Birth

Most lambs are born without complications, but there are times when assistance is needed. Understanding the stages of lambing and knowing when to intervene is crucial.

• Stage 1 (Early Labor): This phase lasts for several hours. The ewe may show signs of discomfort, such as pawing the ground, restlessness, or frequent lying down. This is when the cervix dilates, and contractions begin.

• Stage 2 (Delivery): Stage 2 involves the active birth of the lamb. The ewe will typically lie down and begin to push. You should observe closely during this stage to ensure the lamb is positioned correctly and being delivered without distress. The normal presentation is the lamb coming out with its head and front legs first.

• When to Assist: If the ewe is straining without delivering the lamb, or if you see a lamb’s legs or head emerging but not progressing, you may need to help. Gently clean and lubricate your hands and assist by pulling the lamb, but do not force it. If you are unsure, it’s best to consult a veterinarian.

• After the Lamb Is Delivered: Once the lamb is born, it’s important to clear its airways. Use a clean towel to wipe the lamb’s nose and mouth, stimulating breathing by rubbing its body with the towel. Lambs should begin to stand and nurse within the first hour of birth.

4. Care for the Newborn Lambs

Newborn lambs are very fragile, so it is crucial to give them proper care right after birth to ensure they survive and thrive.

• Ensure Colostrum Intake: Colostrum is the first milk produced by the ewe, rich in antibodies that help protect the lamb from disease. It’s essential that the lamb receives colostrum within the first few hours after birth. If the ewe is unable to nurse, you may need to bottle-feed the lamb with a colostrum replacer.

• Keep Lambs Warm: Lambs are highly susceptible to cold stress. If the weather is cold, provide extra warmth using a heat lamp, or place the lamb in a warmer area to ensure it does not become chilled.

• Disinfect the Navel: The lamb’s umbilical cord will fall off shortly after birth, and it’s important to disinfect the navel to prevent infections. Use iodine or a similar disinfectant to clean the area.

• Monitor for Weakness or Illness: Keep a close eye on the lamb’s health. Lambs should begin to stand and nurse within the first hour of birth. If the lamb is weak, lethargic, or unable to stand, consult with a veterinarian immediately.

5. Care for the Ewe After Lambing

The ewe requires attention after lambing to ensure her recovery and to support her in raising the lambs.

• Check for Retained Placenta: After the lambs are born, the ewe should expel the placenta. If it doesn’t pass within a few hours, she may require assistance to avoid infection. Retained placentas can lead to serious health issues like uterine infections.

• Monitor for Mastitis: Mastitis is an infection of the udder that can occur in some ewes after lambing. Signs include swelling, heat, and redness of the udder. If you suspect mastitis, contact a veterinarian for treatment.

• Provide Fresh Water and Feed: After lambing, the ewe should have access to fresh water and high-quality forage. It is especially important for her to have extra nutrition to support milk production for the lambs.

• Observe for Complications: Keep an eye on the ewe for signs of post-lambing complications, such as excessive bleeding, difficulty standing, or a lack of interest in her lambs.

6. Managing Multiple Births

Ewes commonly give birth to twins or triplets. Managing multiple lambs can be challenging, but with proper care, you can increase the chances of all lambs surviving.

• Ensure All Lambs Nurse: In the case of twins or triplets, make sure that each lamb is able to nurse, particularly if there is limited milk from the ewe. You may need to assist with bottle feeding or use a lamb foster program if a ewe has more lambs than she can adequately care for.

• Monitor Lamb Weight: Weak lambs or those born as multiples may need additional care to ensure they are gaining weight. Weighing lambs and monitoring their growth helps in identifying any potential health problems early.

7. Post-Lambing Care and Follow-Up

Once the lambing process is complete, continue to monitor both the ewe and her lambs for several weeks to ensure they are healthy.

• Regular Health Checks: Check the ewe’s and lambs' health regularly, looking for signs of illness or infection. Ensure that lambs continue to grow and gain weight appropriately.

• Vaccinations: Ensure that the ewe is up-to-date on vaccinations before lambing. Lambs may also need vaccinations starting at a few weeks of age, depending on your region and the diseases present.

• Weaning: Lambs typically begin to wean around 8 to 12 weeks of age. Gradually reduce their dependence on the ewe’s milk by offering solid food.

Lambing is an intense and labor-intensive time, but with proper care, it can be a successful and rewarding experience. Preparing ahead of time, recognizing when to intervene, and ensuring both ewes and lambs receive the necessary care, farmers can minimize complications and maximize the health of both mother and offspring. With good lambing care practices, you can set the foundation for a healthy, thriving flock.