The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Haylo-peapod on May 03, 2012, 08:21:18 pm
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As is pretty typical I have one ewe where her single lamb suckles on one side only and therefore the other side is engorged with milk. The engorged side is absolutely enormous, nearly touching the ground and dwarfs the side that is suckeld. There are currently no signs of mastitis but I am concerned that with the sheer volume of milk that must be there that she may develop problems.
How long is it likely to take for the unused side to reabsorb the milk? She lambed 2 weeks ago.
I guess that other than watching out for possible mastitis there is nothing else I can do??
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I think I'd be tempted to pen them and put the lamb onto the other side,
Perhaps even make sure it was hungry by penning them separately but side by side,
you never know once the lambs saliva and scent is on the teat that could do the trick.
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Otherwise, I'd try expressing some of the milk from that side to relieve the pressure.
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Otherwise, I'd try expressing some of the milk from that side to relieve the pressure.
I would do that too, as it's so extreme. In fact it sounds as if it's too big for the lamb to suck without emptying it a bit first. I understand that you won't want to encourage that side to go on producing milk, so once you have reduced it in size and had a good check over, only milk it a little if it starts to build up again - unless you want to try making sheeps cheese :yum:
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We did strip her out once but she filled back up again and I must admit I was reluctant to do it again as I know it can just lead to more milk production. Interesting point about the size potentially making it difficult for the lamb to suck from and also about maybe stripping just a small amount. Maybe I'll try that and then try and get the lamb on that side as moleskins suggested.
Now sheeps cheese, nice thought - although I think Agatha may have other ideas on that one.... ;D