Our first lambs of this year arrived today, twins. They are Hebs. I think I'm worrying unnecessarily but they are not interested in using the shelters at all. They prefer to sleep by the tree trunks.
They sheep did this last year, but we lambed a little later and it's still quite cold, especially at night
They have lamb macs on too.
Should I just leave them alone or bring them in?
Thanks
Joanne xxx
Hi Joanne
You are worrying unnecessarily
I do understand though, especially as this is your first lambing, but as I wrote in your other post, Hebs are very hardy and the lambs have really thick birth coats, so don't need extra protection from the cold. They will snuggle into the upwind side of the ewe and get all the protection they need from her. Hebs much prefer to be outside in a familiar paddock, to being shut up indoors, which stresses them. They will use the shelters, or lie behind them, when it rains or sleets - and you won't be able to hear yourself think for the sound of hooves with the first rain, as they dash in for cover
.
Your ewe will prefer to stay near where she lambed for the first couple of days (another reason that moving her indoors would stress her), or she might move them back with the rest of the ewes for protection at night. We find that as more ewes lamb, they will sit in a circle at night with ewes towards the outside and all lambs safely in the middle. This means that predators will be seen off by several ewes.
The only time I would really worry would be if you have a lot of foxes, badgers or wandering dogs which come onto your land at night - then I would protect the lambs.
Topic: Outdoor lambing shelter (Read 6278 times)
