The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Cosmo on March 25, 2013, 07:19:55 am

Title: How soon??
Post by: Cosmo on March 25, 2013, 07:19:55 am

We have a few ewes that now (I think) have hollows behind their hips and lambs look like they have dropped into the birthing position how soon before they lamb?


Any help welcome.

Title: Re: How soon??
Post by: LOCHBYRE on March 25, 2013, 10:12:00 am

I am in the same position as you I think !!, this will be my third lambing....I am still rubbish at telling when birthing is immanent  ::)
Do you have a photo ? by description I 'd have said a day or two, but I thought that about mine a week ago and still nothing !!
(http://i1018.photobucket.com/albums/af310/soopysue/IMG-20130325-01574.jpg) 
Hope this has worked should be a pic of my shetland !! This will be her second lambing, she has looked like this for a week and is dipped in front of her hips.....think she's enjoying the B&B of the shed  ;D

Title: Re: How soon??
Post by: Cosmo on March 25, 2013, 10:50:31 am

The trouble is they're not docked and because they didn't have mucky bums I didn't dagg them so I can't see here udder.

Title: Re: How soon??
Post by: Foobar on March 25, 2013, 11:20:40 am

Get down on your knees whilst they are at the feed trough, you should be able to see then.  And if they are concentrating on food they are less likely to notice you parting their wool to have a squizz :).

Title: Re: How soon??
Post by: Fowlman on March 25, 2013, 12:36:10 pm

Yep have a fumble underneath whilst they are feeding, you will soon see if they are filling up with milk.

Title: Re: How soon??
Post by: Cosmo on March 25, 2013, 06:07:01 pm

I'll have a go at their next feed.
Thanks for all the replies :)