The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Remy on April 29, 2012, 01:41:03 pm

Title: Another sad ending :-(
Post by: Remy on April 29, 2012, 01:41:03 pm

I just went to check on my last ewe to lamb, a Charollais who looked huge and I was expecting twins.  She was grazing normally this morning and again when I checked her, but then saw a massive lamb lying dead in the corner of the field.  She had either had it this morning before the first check (she was grazing in a different part of the field so I assumed she hadn't gone into labour) or had it before I checked her just now.  The weather is horrendous and not conducive to hanging about watching for signs!

So my tally of dead lambs this year is four, three males which would have gone to market and one female.  This one was absolutely huge, about the size of two normal lambs and was possibly presented wrongly from the way it was lying.  The ewe seems fine.  The other two twin lambs I delivered dead were also bigger than normal.

I've never lost lambs before this year and am really sad to have lost another one, I've been checking on this ewe frequently as well - I just knew she would have to have it on the worst day weather-wise!  I will check on her again soon though just in case it was a twin - although from the size of it I don't think there would be room for another.

Oh well all done and dusted till next year, hopefully there won't be a repeat performance  :-\

Title: Re: Another sad ending :-(
Post by: in the hills on April 29, 2012, 03:03:06 pm

Sorry Remy  :bouquet:

Title: Re: Another sad ending :-(
Post by: goosepimple on April 29, 2012, 03:05:08 pm

Oh dear Remy, how distressing, better luck next year  :-*

Title: Re: Another sad ending :-(
Post by: Mammyshaz on April 29, 2012, 04:00:02 pm

So sorry to hear this,  :bouquet:

Title: Re: Another sad ending :-(
Post by: jaykay on April 29, 2012, 07:18:03 pm

Oh, I'm sorry  :-*

Title: Re: Another sad ending :-(
Post by: Rosemary on April 29, 2012, 08:10:14 pm

Shame - but focus on the healthy ones.

We also had problems with big singles this year - out vet says it was common and he puts it down to the  mild winter. Next year, I'm not feeding ewes with singles at all - hay and lick, that's all.

Title: Re: Another sad ending :-(
Post by: Remy on April 29, 2012, 09:05:27 pm

I'm wondering if it's because I was feeding them - I've never fed them before, only hay and grass.  This year I had more ewes in lamb and less grass, so I got some mix in.  Hmmm food for thought!

Title: Re: Another sad ending :-(
Post by: Pedwardine on April 30, 2012, 09:11:09 am

So sorry Gill. You've had a tough time of it hon. Enjoy those healthy babies. Was there another lamb? Can you get a cade for her if not? Poor ewe/you.

A x

Title: Re: Another sad ending :-(
Post by: Remy on April 30, 2012, 09:42:12 am

She seems ok now and is off grazing, so I'll call it a day!  I believe I have spotted a bit of sun now and then  :o