The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: debbigord on March 19, 2015, 06:35:01 am

Title: Advice please- update
Post by: debbigord on March 19, 2015, 06:35:01 am
Expectant ewe passed initial labour bits in the early morning- 2ish- first small string and bubble. Still nothing else and no signs of her being in active labour. Is this a normal time frame- feels a bit wrong, her vulva is still pink, not dark. The rest of the flock are lambing, but I thought she was a little behind.
Title: Re: Advice please
Post by: MrsJ on March 19, 2015, 06:59:04 am
Is she a first timer?  They take a bit longer but I would think she should have had it by now.  Could the "initial labour bits" have been something else?  Have you seen the water bag?   
Title: Re: Advice please
Post by: debbigord on March 19, 2015, 07:18:06 am
Yes, she is a first timer. No other signs of being in labour. Feels wrong if you know what I mean. Have called a more experienced friend who is coming to have a look. Will update later, fingers crossed!
Title: Re: Advice please
Post by: debbigord on March 19, 2015, 08:30:30 am
Seems a mystery all round. Friend says she is a way off lambing, but she definately passed the initial string. Have put her in, made her comfy and will keep an eye.
Title: Re: Advice please
Post by: SallyintNorth on March 19, 2015, 08:33:07 am
Feels wrong if you know what I mean.

Always go with your gut.  :hug:  Hope the friend can help  :fc:

Ah, just seen update after friend's visit.  It could be she's aborted one lamb and may have (an)other(s) in there - we've got one just the same actually.  We know she's not due for another 6 days at least but yesterday the waterbag was there.  After a few hours I had a feel and nothing.  She's bright, alert, eating, happy, not straining.  We will just wait.
Title: Re: Advice please
Post by: princesslayer on March 19, 2015, 08:36:11 am
Can the mucus  plug come away sometime in advance of labour starting? Could be that.
Title: Re: Advice please
Post by: Me on March 19, 2015, 09:18:46 am
They can lose a little mucus way off lambing with no bother - plus the alternatives listed above
Title: Re: Advice please
Post by: debbigord on March 19, 2015, 10:36:20 am
Thankyou all so much, It's great to know you are all out there, your advice and experience is such a help when there seems to be so much to learn.
I will watch and wait....and let you know....
Title: Re: Advice please- update
Post by: debbigord on March 24, 2015, 08:23:19 am
We watched, and waited..... And yesterday evening she popped out 2 lovely healthy ram lambs unaided in about an hour. I really didn't expect a happy ending to this one and am delighted! Always learning......thanks again to all x
Title: Re: Advice please- update
Post by: Jukes Mum on March 24, 2015, 11:31:35 am
Great news debbigord. Or should I say great news for you- but not a comfort for me. My first (ever) ewe is due today and has a little mucus/string. Was thinking things may be happening, but if she does the same as yours, then I could be waiting another 5 days  ;) not sure my nerves can take this. I think I might start pacing like an expectant father soon  :D
She's currently grazing happily and showing no signs at all of relieving my concern  :huff:
Title: Re: Advice please- update
Post by: debbigord on March 24, 2015, 01:13:18 pm
Ha ha, yes, I know that feeling.....
Keep us posted with news, how exciting for you.
Title: Re: Advice please- update
Post by: Jukes Mum on March 24, 2015, 02:03:50 pm
Tum tee tum  :innocent:
Tempted to go squeeze her. Or maybe feed her hot curry  :roflanim:
Title: Re: Advice please- update
Post by: MrsJ on March 24, 2015, 05:45:27 pm
Take her for a ride in the car down a bumpy road Jukes mum?  Maybe not!  Patience is what is required.

Debbiegord - that's fantastic news! 

Title: Re: Advice please- update
Post by: Jukes Mum on March 24, 2015, 07:26:20 pm
I think things are happening- she's taken herself into the sheep shelter and is pacing around in there and up and down like a yo-yo. Going out for a peek.....
Title: Re: Advice please- update
Post by: debbigord on March 24, 2015, 08:47:21 pm
Sounds good if she is up and down. Really hope all goes well........update soon please  :fc:
Title: Re: Advice please- update
Post by: Jukes Mum on March 24, 2015, 10:01:16 pm
She's making a lot of little bleaty noises now. Her back end is wet so I think her waters must have gone. Will pop back out to mop her brow when I've donned a few more layers. Silly girl having a lamb on such a cold night when it has been such a beautiful day here  ::)
Title: Re: Advice please- update
Post by: Jukes Mum on March 24, 2015, 10:59:35 pm
Twins  :excited: :relief: :hug: :excited:
Happy healthy wobbly twins! First one was up within 2 minutes of landing. The other was a bit more wibbly but was up in 10. Both teat hunting :)
Title: Re: Advice please- update
Post by: Penninehillbilly on March 24, 2015, 11:03:47 pm
 :thumbsup:
Congratulations (to both of you)  ;D
 
Mentioning cold nights - I'd better go and get my potted plants in.
Title: Re: Advice please- update
Post by: debbigord on March 25, 2015, 06:24:25 am
Fantastic news- congrats!
Title: Re: Advice please- update
Post by: Buttermilk on March 25, 2015, 06:54:23 am
The first ones are always special.
Title: Re: Advice please- update
Post by: kelly58 on March 25, 2015, 07:16:13 am
 :thumbsup: Enjoy  :sheep:
Title: Re: Advice please- update
Post by: MrsJ on March 25, 2015, 08:10:59 am
"wobbly twins" - made me laugh :excited: :excited:  Well done!
Title: Re: Advice please- update
Post by: Jukes Mum on March 25, 2015, 08:45:50 am
So proud of my girl. I sneaked a peek at 5am and there they were, wobbling around with mum chatting away quietly to them  :hugsheep:
Sorry for the rubbish pictures but here is Mum with the twins, and Dad who waited patiently outside!