The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: horsemadmummy on May 05, 2011, 08:24:06 am

Title: ewe who has lost her lamb
Post by: horsemadmummy on May 05, 2011, 08:24:06 am

i have a first timer who looks like gave birth outside yesterday without anyone knowing - she came in with the others wasn't calling and didn't look like she had any discharge so didn't think anything was wrong.  this morning when I turned her out she was calling like mad and went off away from the others - I followed her and found the poor little thing although it was still in its bag so had no chance.

Question could I foster something onto her today if I can get a new born?  or is it best just to let her get through it in her own time?

Title: Re: ewe who has lost her lamb
Post by: ellisr on May 05, 2011, 09:22:54 am

If you have ones to foster on you could try that, but if not she will get over it pretty quickly

Title: Re: ewe who has lost her lamb
Post by: feldar on May 06, 2011, 09:32:20 am

If you have a spare lamb i would try to foster one accross.First time mothers make good subjects for fostering and it is always better to have a new mother raise a lamb.

Title: Re: ewe who has lost her lamb
Post by: SallyintNorth on May 09, 2011, 01:07:51 am

As our vet says, "Better to give her a reason to live than a reason to die."  So if you can get a foster lamb, it is best for her and hopefully for you and the lamb too. 

Title: Re: ewe who has lost her lamb
Post by: horsemadmummy on May 09, 2011, 07:23:38 pm

we had four bottle fed lambs that have just been weaned and the ewe is quite happy taking them out into the field every day - no feeding though but she seems bright enough!

Thank you for all those who posted.