[ScotsGirl]

has anyone had a ewe sectioned and them successfully take back their babies? Mine had triplets yesterday but lost one. Had to take in house as got hypothermia really quick but put back this am and she didn't want to know. She wasn't interested yesterday but that was understandable.


Her milk hasn't dropped although massive udder. Tests empty so I can't even express. Any advice appreciated.

[HappyHippy]

I have zero experience with sheep - but with pigs/piglets smell has a lot to do with it. If the lambs have been in the house they'll smell like humans - can you rub them with straw or something that smells like her? With pigs I'd be spraying mum and babies with something strong smelling but don't know if that would work for sheep?
Good luck 

[SallyintNorth]

Sounds like she's still post-operative / depressed.  She'd want a lamb - any lamb - in normal circumstances.

Did you have the lamb in front of her, and the fluids over her muzzle, yesterday when it was delivered?  She might not even realise she's lambed.  If you can't get her milk to drop, might be worth asking the vet if she should have some oxytocin?

[Anke]

Definitely a shot of oxytocin should help.

[Anke]

Oh, and I would also give her a shot of flunixin - works a painkiller and a (sometimes magic!) pick-me-up for ewes and goats that are in pain/post difficult kidding/mastitis etc.

[JedM]

I've never had any success.  My last ewe died a day after the lambs were delivered.

[kanisha]

Although a rarity to have a c section in all cases where this has been needed ewes here  have always accepted their lambs although some were not keen to start with. Hardly surprising and the  emphasis was on keeping ewe and lamb relationship going whilst everyone worked out what they were supposed to do. 

[Marches Farmer]

Is the ewe eating well and generally and taking notice?  Try her with interesting bits and pieces from the verge if not.  Do you have someone to hold her while you help the lambs to latch on?  You may need to keep working the teats to get her to let down.  Our vet gives oxytocin as a matter of course, to help let-down and aid cleanising.

[Rosemary]

We've had two C sections and both times the ewes have taken the lambs, even though one of the ewes was very poorly. The first one was a gimmer with a huge single and she was up and about in a few minutes and feeding the lamb as if nothing had happened. The other ewe had triplets, only one of which survived, and we had to latch the lamb on every couple of hours to feed as the ewe couldn't stand. The vet was very keen for the lamb to suckle as it helps the uterus contract and helps to prevent infections.

Hope your girl is OK - as others suggest, maybe oxytocin will help and once the milk is through the lamb, it will smell like hers and she'll be happy to accept it.

[Melmarsh]

Hi I had a ewe lamb ,lambing that needed a c section, delivery on a Saturday 2.30am , I held her to get the lamb to suck, supplemented with a bottle. Ewe sat one side of the pen and the lamb the other !! On the Monday at 6am when I went to feed him/hold her I found him suckling  her..... Job done they were fine after that. C section healed realy well and all OK. 1st c section in 28yrs and hopefully the last but I was impressed with the surgery and how well she did. I'm a nurse so was well impressed 

[ScotsGirl]

Thanks everyone for replies. Vet gave her oxytocin but never suggested rubbing them under her nose but I did think about it next day! Too late then. I think she was sore and traumatised. After a lot of massage I managed to get a few drops of milk and the. Put stronger lamb on to suckle. Now milk flowing fine and she is happy to let them suckle while I stand in pen. She still pushes them away though when I go to check however she does now lick them and talk when they are feeding so I'm more hopeful.


She has a healthy appetite. I will keep them penned up until I am happy she will look after them.

[SallyintNorth]

   It's sounding good 

[ScotsGirl]

Yep, success! She is calling them and letting them feed without me. I have let them out for an hour or so in sunshine