Author Topic: Mums and milk (Read 2466 times)

melholly · « **on:** June 15, 2011, 10:45:45 pm »

Hello all,

I separated my 2 polled Dorset mums from their lambs on Sunday. Indid think only one was still feeding but today both mums have mahoosive 'udders!' they don't seem in any discomfort or distress but is this normal and ok in sheep? I just assumed after a few days mums milk would dry up I didn't expect this!

Thanks!
Mx
http://selfridgestoscats.blogspot.com

Fleecewife · « **Reply #1 on:** June 15, 2011, 11:31:39 pm »

How old are the lambs?

melholly · « **Reply #2 on:** June 16, 2011, 06:34:50 am »

Hi there, they are just shy of 5 months. They eat grass and nuts fine, drink water etc.

Mx
http://selfridgestoscats.blogspot.com

Fleecewife · « **Reply #3 on:** June 16, 2011, 08:32:20 am »

You would think they would have been nearly dry by then, wouldn't you. Sounds as if you will need to dry them off and keep an eye out for mastitis developing. Everyone has their own pet way to dry off ewes - we just put them on the paddock with the least grass and don't give them anything except some hay. Others may have alternative ideas.

VSS · « **Reply #4 on:** June 16, 2011, 10:08:54 am »

I wouldn't bother with the hay!

If the ewes udders are really big, it can sometimes help to house them for a week or so, and just give them straw to eat.

melholly · « **Reply #5 on:** June 24, 2011, 01:02:05 pm »

Hello,

Glad to say after a couple of weeks of an Aitkens type enforced sheep nut free diet, my Mums are looking very sleek in the udder regions! We couldn't help but name them Dors (Diana) and Dolly (Parton) however!!

Thanks for the advice all

Mx