[SallyintNorth]

We always say that sheep don't read the books...

When he gets up does he stretch? If so, he's a contented lamb.

It's an encouraging sign, yes, but it's not absolute.  I have had undernourished lambs that stretched when they stood up - but who were not getting enough milk to keep a fly alive.

A wagging tail is a good indication he is latched on and getting milk.

Absolutely not.  Their tails wag when their minds are on milk, but it is not any kind of an indication that they're latched on and actually feeding.  I have seen no end of lambs wagging their tails while they suck on wool, while they're seeking the teat (but not yet found it), even when nibbling my trousers

Again, it's an encouraging sign, but don't rely on it.

[Dans]

We have seen him waggling his tail when you can see the teat next to his mouth and he is feeling around for it everywhere but where it is!

We asked a local smallholder who is experienced with lambing to come and have a look. He said lamb is being a little slow but he is getting what he needs, mum definately has some milk which is good.

We let them out of the pen as the lambing area has access to outside and it got quite warm in the polytunnel today. Came home and he was all curled up not moving much and still being a bit pathetic with the milk. Put them back in the pen as it was getting nippy and he ran around like a crazy thing trying to get back out! Checked the security camera and found this so I guess he is plenty fine and just goes very quiet when we are around!

https://youtu.be/0oYEwfMuOTU

Dans

[silkwoodzwartbles]

Fab footage - what type of camera are you using and how is it powered/broadcasting?

[Dans]

It's a Y-cam, we picked it up on an amazon deal of the day after we discovered we'd had people out in the driveway sniffing around whilst I was on the land with the house unlocked.

It runs off mains power and broadcasts via wifi. It has motion sensor for 2 areas and infra-red to see in the dark. We decided to relocate it to the lambing area to give me an extra bit of piece of mind and the sheep some sense of privacy and I've been really happy with it so far.

Dans

Edit to add I found it but it's way up in price, we paid £99 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Y-cam-HomeMonitor-HD-Pro-Recording/dp/B00K4NLF2K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1494188074&sr=8-2&keywords=y-cam

[Fieldfare]

Hi Dans- congratulations again! That lamb looks lovely! Mum and baby look well bonded. I find that 9 times out of 10 you don't need to act with Castlemilks (and if you are worried sometimes better to stand back). Nature will get it right (usually). You will lose the odd lamb/or ewe but with your good husbandry throughout the year and your close interaction with your vet things should go smoothly (and your flock is almost closed and small so at low disease risk). I have only once had the need to help a lamb drink once born healthy (it was a small twin ewe and all I did was hold it onto the teat so it get a few gulps of milk/colostrum- in retrospect it would prob. have been OK, I think). The main problems I have with lambs is ensuring that the physical env. is safe (water troughs? gaps in fencing? etc.). You just need regular watching.


Navels? really no need to spray them with anything. I have never had any problems.
Feeding in the lambing pen? I ensure ewe has ad lib nuts, water (lamb-safe) and minerals.

Op? Yes went well! Am 3+ weeks into recovery (a bit sore and with disturbed sleep!) but also having to slow myself down...

[bazzais]

You must be so happy - well done - they look fine dont they  - cute as a button.