The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: melholly on June 15, 2011, 10:45:45 pm

Title: Mums and milk
Post by: melholly on June 15, 2011, 10:45:45 pm

Hello all,

I separated my 2 polled Dorset mums from their lambs on Sunday. Indid think only one was still feeding but today both mums have mahoosive 'udders!' they don't seem in any discomfort or distress but is this normal and ok in sheep? I just assumed after a few days mums milk would dry up I didn't expect this!

Thanks!
Mx
http://selfridgestoscats.blogspot.com (http://selfridgestoscats.blogspot.com)

Title: Re: Mums and milk
Post by: Fleecewife on June 15, 2011, 11:31:39 pm

How old are the lambs?

Title: Re: Mums and milk
Post by: melholly on June 16, 2011, 06:34:50 am

Hi there, they are just shy of 5 months. They eat grass and nuts fine, drink water etc.

Mx
http://selfridgestoscats.blogspot.com (http://selfridgestoscats.blogspot.com)

Title: Re: Mums and milk
Post by: Fleecewife on June 16, 2011, 08:32:20 am

You would think they would have been nearly dry by then, wouldn't you. Sounds as if you will need to dry them off and keep an eye out for mastitis developing.  Everyone has their own pet way to dry off ewes - we just put them on the paddock with the least grass and don't give them anything except some hay. Others may have alternative ideas.

Title: Re: Mums and milk
Post by: VSS on June 16, 2011, 10:08:54 am

I wouldn't bother with the hay!

If the ewes udders are really big, it can sometimes help to house them for a week  or so, and just give them straw to eat.

Title: Re: Mums and milk
Post by: melholly on June 24, 2011, 01:02:05 pm

Hello,

Glad to say after a couple of weeks of an Aitkens type enforced sheep nut free diet, my Mums are looking very sleek in the udder regions! We couldn't help but name them Dors (Diana) and Dolly (Parton) however!!

Thanks for the advice all

Mx