Lambing tips

[Agrivator]

Others will have their own secrets, but this is one of mine.

With very big singles that need a help, and when both feet and the nose are present.



1. Draw the first leg and shoulder forward.

2. If the second leg is difficult to draw forward, it helps and is relatively easy to push the first leg and shoulder back.

3. Draw the second leg forward,

4. Draw the first leg forward again.

5. Insert two or ideally three fingers into the ewe’s anus and locate the back of the head.

6. Press on the back of the lamb’s head as hard a possible, and this is the most important bit:

Don’t pull the lamb’s leg at right angles: pull them down at an acute an angle as possible towards the ewe’s udder, and at the same time, press on the back of the head to send it in the same line.

This method will save hours of effort, and it has no deleterious effects on the ewe.

 

[unlacedgecko]

Great tip.

For similar lambs my tip is have an assistant with small hands.

 

[Northeastfarmer]

The best tip is not to tup the bloody things in the first place

 

[Gulli]

Patience patience patience

There's rarely a rush to get a properly presented lamb out

 

[shearerlad]

Lubrication and patience

 

[FIL46]

I push the head back a bit and pull the legs out first the rest should slip out as said plenty of lube

 

[Agrivator]

I push the head back a bit and pull the legs out first the rest should slip out as said plenty of lube

Even with very big lambs that are stuck? Instead of dismissing my post, you could maybe have added another helpful tip on any particular difficult lambing.

 

[FIL46]

Steady up min, In no way did I dismiss your post I only said that by putting the head back a bit and pulling the legs out a bit first helps me with that problem, I will keep out of your post now

 

[Agrivator]

Steady up min, In no way did I dismiss your post I only said that by putting the head back a bit and pulling the legs out a bit first helps me with that problem, I will keep out of your post now

My apologise for being a bit sharp. Everybody should be able to take a good swearing at lambing time.

Another good tip for folk less experienced at lambing: If a lamb is slow to breath, before trying all the drastic rubbing and swinging, just press on the lamb's anus. And just like if someone did the same to you, it will gulp a bit and make a valiant attempt to breath.
The same applies to a calf, and presumably to any other newborn mammal - apart from a blue whale.

 

[Hummin-Cummins]

My apologise for being a bit sharp. Everybody should be able to take a good swearing at lambing time.

Another good tip for folk less experienced at lambing: If a lamb is slow to breath, before trying all the drastic rubbing and swinging, just press on the lamb's anus. And just like if someone did the same to you, it will gulp a bit and make a valiant attempt to breath.
The same applies to a calf, and presumably to any other newborn mammal - apart from a blue whale.

just tickle its nose with straw and if thats not an option pinch its ear (advice off vets) not sure why folk like to complicate things when its a simple task.

 

[primmiemoo]

just tickle its nose with straw and if thats not an option pinch its ear (advice off vets) not sure why folk like to complicate things when its a simple task.

Generally, @Agrivator's method comes after your two when needed. Only needs as said, a press, nothing more ?

 

[primmiemoo]

Another if a lamb is struggling to breathe, and the ewe is still on the ground and comfortable: use her as though a pack horse. Put the lamb across what would be her withers (if sheep had withers) as though a panier, make sure it's nose is below its tail, and allow it to drain excess fluids while letting it open its rib cage for its lungs to expand. Very careful patting on the lamb's back might be needed. Be guided by what the lamb's doing.

It's a bit nerve racking, sometimes, but I think lambs can hold their breath between breaths for a little while before getting going.

Ime, it saves having to rush to swing all but the most difficult to revive.

 

[Gulli]

Swinging doesn't do much at all to help, just puts pressure on their lungs, either sit them up with all 4 legs pointing forward and their head between their front legs, or cold shock will get them going.
Their lungs are designed to deal with some fluid at birth

 

[M-J-G]

Give plenty of time.

Be well equipped

Be good at putting a head rope on.

Lubricate to the point of wasting, on one that looks like it will be tight, I mix flakes in a jug and lift the ewes arse end up and pour it in.
If it won't come with that it's not coming, (but put strings on its head and legs beforehand as you'll not grip it afterwards)

If you have too many like this, you need to learn either nutrition/management or get better genetics.

Remember to notch the ear of the lamb so it doesn't get kept for breeding, sheep that breed oversized lambs are no use to anyone.

 

[primmiemoo]

Look after your hands, and, especially fingers. Don't struggle on with a dislocation, even if you think you've cured it yourself. Take time to remove príckles, sprigs, and splinters, too.

 

[jonny]

Good idea too is to twist the legs that the shoulder turns inward makes it easier on the ewe

 

[jonny]

Good idea too is to twist the legs that the shoulder turns inward makes it easier on the ewe

 

[M-J-G]

Swinging doesn't do much at all to help, just puts pressure on their lungs, either sit them up with all 4 legs pointing forward and their head between their front legs, or cold shock will get them going.
Their lungs are designed to deal with some fluid at birth

I don't swing them or poke anything up their nose, and I see no difference.
I see lambs being swung and calves hung over gates and I just shake my head these days, and think, I remember the days when I used to think that crap helped.

Clear it's nose and mouth and a splash of water to stimulate breathing are what I've found to be the most reviving therapies on a new born.

 

[Agrivator]

Good idea too is to twist the legs that the shoulder turns inward makes it easier on the ewe

Thanks for that. We're never too old or experienced to learn.

 

[exmoor dave]

For those occasional big singles with big foreheads that just won't quite pop out the final gap...... plastic prolapse spoon slipped over the head and a VERY GENTLE bit of leverage can be applied to get the head out