[lesbri]

Having problems as per title above, really would appreciate some opinions from you experienced lot!

I had a ewe lambed twins on Thursday, first lamb seemed ok, second born dead, ewe lambed on her own, no help needed. After an hour or so, first lamb still hadnt stood, seemed very weak so gave him some kickstart, turned ewe over and encouraged him to suckle draped over her hind leg. Did this at regular intervals but by Friday it was apparent that lamb had problems with hind legs and still couldnt stand. Took him to the vet who found no feeling or circulation in hind legs so sadly he was euthanised.

Coincidentally on Thursday evening I had bought a pair of newly born orphan ram lambs, so since losing the original lamb on Friday Ive been trying to foster the twins onto the bereaved ewe. Ive got them in a pen next to the ewe so that she can see and smell them. Im taking them into her pen for her to feed which she will allow although mostly I need to hold her still - maybe I should mention she is a first time lamber. If the lambs are left in with her she is butting them away, although not too violently and she is starting to talk to them.

My question is, is this worth persevering with or are twins too much to foster onto her (she seems to have loads of milk)? Any thoughts or experiences gratefully received. Thank you.

[devonlady]

It sounds hopeful so I would persevere!

[waterbuffalofarmer]

yes I agree with Devonlady. It sounds like youre making progress so I wouldnt give up now!

[Marches Farmer]

Can you rig up an adopter?  Or feed her cake in a bucket 4 or 5 times a day and put the twins in to suckle while her head's down.  Milk her off between times and bottle feed the orphans.  Once her milk passes through them they'll smell right.

[SallyintNorth]

If you can carry on as you are, it sounds hopeful.

[lesbri]

Thank you so much for the reassurance! Ive now made a little pen in the corner of the ewe's pen that the lambs can get into if she gets too rough. I think she's still looking for her own lamb, every time I go in she sniffs me all over in an accusatory manner and gets quite upset in her pen, hopefully that will settle soon.

Im going in every time I pass the pen (at least every 2 hours) to hold her still and let the lambs suckle, hopefully mimicking what they would be doing out in the field and mostly she only needs me to hold her head and talk to her while the lambs feed so fingers crossed! Marches Farmer, do you think I still need to milk her off and bottle feed the lambs if theyre able to suckle this often? Theyve got nice round tummies and are pooing for England!

[TheSmilingSheep]

So lovely to read threads with what look like happy endings!  Very encouraging 

[shotblastuk]

Try putting a dog near them. Sometimes the defence/protection mechanism kicks in.
Keep perservering. The satisfaction is immense if you suceed.

[SallyintNorth]

Try putting a dog near them. Sometimes the defence/protection mechanism kicks in.

My usual caution... The presence of a dog can cause some ewes to go all red mist, and attack everything nearby - including the lambs.

[shotblastuk]

I've never experienced that behavior from a ewe but I'll bear it in mind

[lesbri]

Interesting tip about the dog. Problem is that our sheep are so familiar with our own dogs, they really dont see them as a threat! I might try it with my daughter's dog though if she brings it over. 

On the whole I think we are making progress, ewe is allowing lambs to feed while she has cake although I havent seen her let them feed otherwise. I am holding her for a feed about 10.30 pm and when I go in about 7.30 am lambs are waking and doing that lovely stretchy thing and have round tummies so they may be getting a bit of milk overnight. Ill press on!

[Jukes Mum]

Well done you 
I'd be cautious about the dog as Sally says. If things are going it the right direction, then just keep doing what you're doing 

[jward]

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. I'm in exactly the same situation, but 5 days on and she's still not accepting them, so I'm anxiously waiting for the next two ewes to lamb to foster them on that way.

[lesbri]

We have success!! I had a hunch the lambs were feeding when I wasn't watching as they didn't seem so hungry every time I went to the pen so as it is such a lovely day, turned them out in the little paddock by the house and all seems well! Phew!!  Thank you so much for all your support and advice, really helps when you aren't sure if you're doing the right thing 

[Brandi]

 : i hope that you are rightly proud of your achievement! What a great outcome for everyone  - and a lovely photo to sum it all up