The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: shrekfeet on March 18, 2010, 11:28:28 am

Title: what do I do with triplets
Post by: shrekfeet on March 18, 2010, 11:28:28 am
will the ewe feed them all or dies one have to be bottle fed?
Title: Re: what do I do with triplets
Post by: Hellybee on March 18, 2010, 11:34:33 am
I d say yes you wouldhave to help, as you know ewes only have two quarters and so one is bound to loose out.  if they are newborn perhaps you could try and pair one up with a ewe that is having a single, like Beavan did on LL :)  We havent had any triplets though only singles and twins :)
Title: Re: what do I do with triplets
Post by: dixie on March 18, 2010, 11:50:38 am
Take one away, either the biggest if theres 2 smaller or the smallest if theres 2 bigger! Either foster onto another ewe with a single or bottle feed, you must make sure they all get the colostrum though.
Title: Re: what do I do with triplets
Post by: ScotsGirl on March 18, 2010, 09:58:31 pm
Well my mule ewe had triplets and she seems to be feeding them all fine.  There were two smaller ones but all are putting on weight.  I did tube the smaller ones with artificial colostrum first night and then topped up with lamlac the following morning after which they were bouncing around.

Make sure mum gets plenty food and water. Might be worth keeping in a bit longer and offering a bottle if they look a bit hungry. I would have taken one away if I had any with singles but they all had twins!

Best of luck
Title: Re: what do I do with triplets
Post by: doganjo on March 18, 2010, 10:53:24 pm
I know nothing about sheep - what's a mule ewe?
Title: Re: what do I do with triplets
Post by: dixie on March 19, 2010, 01:41:43 pm
Its a mixed breed!
Title: Re: what do I do with triplets
Post by: ukag0972 on March 19, 2010, 02:46:03 pm
My Jacobs can manage with triplets!! Just keep them within close range so you'll spot any trouble!
Title: Re: what do I do with triplets
Post by: charlie on March 19, 2010, 09:05:55 pm
A mule is a blue leicester tup and a hill ewe black face etc
Title: Re: what do I do with triplets
Post by: Kasubakatula on March 25, 2010, 06:25:49 pm
I had a ewe last year who had twins of her own and adopted another pair of twins who were orphaned at birth. Although we did bottle feed as well, she was simply amazing and allowed all four to suckle.