The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: MidhouseChris on March 16, 2023, 08:48:03 am

Title: Need to stop ewe producing milk
Post by: MidhouseChris on March 16, 2023, 08:48:03 am
Hello!   We have a (3yo) ewe who being very aggressive towards her lamb (punching the lamb away with her head and kicking too).  Showed no interest from get go following a quick easy single lambing 24hrs ago - her first   The lamb has a full belly, but we are keeping her safe in protected pen beside her mum when we are not able to be with her.    Sadly, looks like she is not mother material......in the meantime is there a treatment / medication that the vet can prescribe to reduce/stop her milk.  With thanks in advance..!
Title: Re: Need to stop ewe producing milk
Post by: shep53 on March 16, 2023, 09:22:09 am
Do not touch the udder and back pressure will cause it to dissipate very quickly in newly lambed sheep , just check for any heat or hardness as a sign of mastitis  , hope you are not going to breed from her again
Title: Re: Need to stop ewe producing milk
Post by: twizzel on March 16, 2023, 09:51:11 am
As shep says, and cut her feed back, just feed hay/straw for a few days and she will dry off naturally.
Title: Re: Need to stop ewe producing milk
Post by: MidhouseChris on March 17, 2023, 03:03:28 pm
Thanks Shep and Twizzel.   Will do so,  At the moment, her lamb is able to drink from her mother under supervision, however as soon as the lamb is up and running will do as you suggest.   Yes, we realise that we can't breed from her again....thankfully the lamb now 2 days old is thriving and trying to be her best friend....hopefully she'll make a brilliant mum herself...
Title: Re: Need to stop ewe producing milk
Post by: twizzel on March 17, 2023, 05:17:27 pm
You could always make an adopter and put the ewe in it for a few days, sometimes it works and saves you a pet lamb. Worth a try?
Title: Re: Need to stop ewe producing milk
Post by: MidhouseChris on March 17, 2023, 05:36:36 pm
Sure, we will give the adopter a try and see how we go. Thanks for your ideas.