The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: SueAllen on March 31, 2010, 07:30:03 pm
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I have 3 ewes who may be pregnant (pretty certain two are, not completely sure about the other one) It's their first time....and mine!! I have several knowledgeable friends to call upon if things get tricky (and the vet obviously) but want to be able to handle any slightly tricky situations myself if at all possible. I can't seem to find a 'sensible' list of things to have to hand in preparation. They will, I hope, be giving birth outside or in the field shelter and they can be taken in there after lambing if needs be. I've got a rough idea of what I might need but I would welcome anyone's list of useful stuff ;D.
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Iodine spray, colostrum just in case, bottles, measurig jug, docking rings and the stretcher (if you not going to dock, ignore that) Ewe nuts to give the little mummys a little extra after lambing, small buckets for water so that lambies dont fall in them, gloves, lube, high energy blocks, of course some of these are if the ewe needs a little help. :D
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Hi,
Depends how far you want to go in preparation.....the list could be very long or very short.
We reccommend as a bare minimum :
* Iodine Spray or Umbilical Spray
* Elasticator Rings x 100
* Ring Applicator
* Lamb Tonic
* Feeder Bottle + 2 Teats
* Umbilical Clamps
* Box of 100 Latex Gloves
* Marker Spray - Match sheep to lambs
* Colostorum Super Concentrate x 250 g pot.
The above should be sufficient as a starter lambing kit for non-problematic lambing situations. However, there may be instances when additional equipment or products are needed (eg. Stomach feeding syringes, Uteri-supports, Lambing Ropes etc). It just depends how much you want to be prepared and how much you want to spend!
We have put the above together as a "Basic Lambing Pack"
Thanks
Gareth
www.suppliesforsmallholders.co.uk
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just been on a lambing course,, and as a result of what they told us there, my lambing box includes:
colostrum
teats
bottle
stomach tube
iodine
castration/docking rings
the applicator for the rings
lambing rope
heat lamp
i think that's all. the rest i reckon i can get if i need it.
the only only things i'd like to have are:
glucose
syringe
antibiotic (but not enough sheep to justify & will just get if i need it)
hope this helps
laura
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Thanks all! ;D I knew it was the right thing to do to post on here!
Those lists pretty much echo what I had thought I might need....
I have the majority of stuff either for general animal use or from having orphans before - bottles, iodine, marker, heat lamp, syringes -and I am planning on borrowing the rings and applicator from another local smallholder.
Rope - I am assuming this can be any thin nylon rope?
Stomach tube - now that's where I have a problem. Not in getting it but using it confidently. How difficult is it to syringe liquids down a lambs throat rather than risk getting the tubing wrong?
Colostrum was on my list but not lamb tonic so I will add that. Or would glucose be the same?
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we lambed for the first time this year and had to revive two lambs with the lamb tonic.we found it quite impressive.We also didnt have the nerve to use the stomach tube even after the vet demonstrated it on a healthy lamb.All sickly lambs are out in the barn now together and we have got a couple of ewes left to lamb, one of which is in a prolapse harness.Any tips for that please.
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Well that's a definite thumbs up for the tonic then!
If you didn't tube them how did you get stuff down them? I am assuming it can be syringed with care?
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if its a weak lamb then you will need to tube feed. you would be best to get some glucose and inject before stomach feeding.
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Hi,
If you are contemplating injecting glucose read up on it carefully first and before you do make sure that the lamb is not cold.
If the lamb will not (or can't) bottle feed then a lamb reviver is a must - you cant just squirt liquid into the mouth. There are basically 2 types - Gravity fed, or one with a syringe - its all a matter of personal choice. and they dont cost a fortune.
Best Regards
Gareth
www.suppliesforsmallholders.co.uk
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we had that arguement last year, it was thought best to give the glucose before warming as it saves them from using there last energy reserve to get warm. when tube feeding make sure its in the stomach and make sure you kink the tube as you remove it. the last thing you want to do is kill your lamb with kindness. lastly if you think there is a problem don't wait do something.
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I tubed for the first time today - it was a lot easier than I thought. I introduced the tube to the lambs mouth and gently fed it in. The lamb just swallowed it. they dont panic in the same way that humans do (I know I would hate someone sticking a tube down my throat). This is our first year too and we only have 7 ewes but so far, 5 lambs all doing well, despite a couple of sticky starts. We did have to have one in by the aga for a couple of hours. I then made it a jumper so it could go back out with it's mum when it perked up.
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e21/MrsJ1/firstlambs2010002a.jpg)
jumper is off today and he is thriving.
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Hee hee hee, that is gorgeous.
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would that be lambswool.
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thats nice and the jumper is rather striking too!!!!!!!
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I can see a new business opportunity here!! Could have done with one of those last night as first-timer managed to push out her lamb with one leg back and nearly two if I hadn't managed to hook out the other before she pushed again.
Poor little thing was wobbling and very weak for first 24 hours but still alive despite the trauma and my frantic efforts to revive her. She must have swallowed some fluid before I got to her and chest was crackling a bit but better tonight.
Must remember and get some more tonic, it was the one thing missing from my box of tricks.
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Its already been done - Lamb-Macs, made of plastic to keep out the cold and wind and at £5.88 for 25 of them !
Be careful using woolen or cotton "jumpers" if its cold and raining - as they will hold the wetness and chill the lamb instead of keeping it warm.
Thanks
Gareth
www.suppliesforsmallholders.co.uk