The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Ayeskint on April 14, 2008, 09:54:18 pm

Title: First time ewe and lack of milk
Post by: Ayeskint on April 14, 2008, 09:54:18 pm
Hello folks I'm looking for advice again.  First time ewes and first time midwives.  We had twin lambs today but there doesn't seem to be much milk on the sheep, am I fussing too much?  I stomach fed them some colostrum before it got dark.  Does it take time to come through with first timers?  Should I persevere?  I wondered about giving them another feed of milk tomorrow morning..................

I thought getting them through pregnancy was the hard bit, now I'm just trying to keep them alive - are they sleeping or weak  - it's hard to tell.

 ???
Carol
Title: Re: First time ewe and lack of milk
Post by: Rosemary on April 15, 2008, 07:56:08 am
No advice, just congratulations! Hope all goes well, 'cos I'll be relying on you next year!!
Title: Re: First time ewe and lack of milk
Post by: Rainyplace on April 15, 2008, 08:13:46 am
Great to hear your news, males or females?
Jo
Title: Re: First time ewe and lack of milk
Post by: Andrew on April 15, 2008, 08:54:18 am
Congrats from Janis & I. I am sure all will be well. I am quite sure with the many experienced Sheep keepers on here they will be in touch with advice.
Title: Re: First time ewe and lack of milk
Post by: Pebbles on April 15, 2008, 02:49:22 pm
Hi and congratulations from us too - my first time and I have become neurotic and fretfull about al our lambs  :D

You want to pm Dandans - there is nothing that girls doesn't know about sheep. She's been a great source of help and reasurance to me.

Pebbles
Title: Re: First time ewe and lack of milk
Post by: woollyval on April 15, 2008, 09:33:51 pm
Don't panic!!
What sort of sheep? So long as tummies look straight sided and not sunk and they are actually suckling and look healthy they will be fine. pm me your phone no if really worried and I will talk you throught it all........and don't worry about being worried....we all have to start somewhere! :) 
Title: Re: First time ewe and lack of milk
Post by: Ayeskint on April 16, 2008, 10:19:01 pm
Thanks for your support guys, and thanks Dandans for the advice.  My girls are doing fine.   :sheep: Their mother is a border leicester cross and their dad a coloured ryeland - they are two jet black lambs with a white muzzle, white tips on their ears and white tear drops - I know they are my first but they look just beautiful.  Now I'm tempted to keep one for breeding.  Our other girls are shetlands/escape artists and my husband would love some sheep that didn't think for themselves...........................

I was told about the noise that sheep make only at lambing - it was a lovely experience to see a mother developing before my eyes.  And I was priviliged that she trusts me with them.

One down four to go.

 :)
Carol
Title: Re: First time ewe and lack of milk
Post by: ileach on April 18, 2008, 10:51:04 pm
Hi Carol. Well done granny. Dont worry I am sure that they are getting enoughYou always worry about the lambs but it is great to see them growing up. Any worries, any time about lambing or feeding just phone me. will tell Balou hes a Dad, he will be pleased, he has settled back in with the others but sends his love to you, his surrogate winter mother.
Jane