The Beginners’ Guide to Lambing Sheep

Its getting closer to Easter, which means its very very nearly my favourite time of year!! Hence, I have finally got my act together and brought my blog out of hibernation to bring you…

…The Beginners’ Guide to Lambing Sheep!

So here we go: give it a little read and you’ll be all set to jump into that sheep shed and get started.

1. Keep your eyes peeled: This is the most important thing to remember!! You have to be on the lookout All The  Time for sick ewes, sick lambs, and any signs of imminent lambing. It also scores you  some brownie points with the farmer, who will be thrilled you are taking an interest in  his beloved flock. 
2. Remember the half hour rule: 30 minutes is the magic number when it comes to sheep! 30 to 60 minutes after you see  her start labour, she should have a lamb! And after another 30 minutes she should have  another one. If its been longer than half an hour, she will probably need help!! 
3. Two front feet and a nose tucked in between: Lambs can only be born 2 ways: either with both legs outstretched and the nose tucked  between OR backwards with both legs extended. If there are any other interesting yoga  positions going on, you’ll need to do some rearranging!! 
4. A lamb has only got 4 feet: If you need to pull a lamb out, make sure the two legs you have hold of belong to the  same lamb!! 
5. Has she got milk?: Easy to forget after a successful lambing, but this is just as important!! 
6. Is it full?: Once the lamb has been up and about, go back to him and check his tummy is nice and  full. Remember lambs need colostrum within 6 hours of being born! 
7. Keep it clean: Lambs are very good at getting infections and cleanliness is key! That means, clean  straw, a nice disinfected pen, and a navel that’s nicely dipped with iodine! 
8. Ask questions: Yes farmers are tired and occasionally have an off day, but in general they love to be  asked questions and get chance to share their knowledge and experience with their vet  students! Don’t be shy: if you don’t ask then you don’t learn!! 
9. Get stuck in: You are there to learn and to lend a hand, so roll up your sleeves and embrace the work!  You’ll get so much more out of the experience if you do! 
10. Crack a Smile: Lambing is exhausting: the hours are long, the work is demanding, and you’re always  cold, tired and hungry. But I promise, the days will fly by if you have a sense of humour  and are ready to share a smile! 

Lambing is one of everybody’s favourite placements, but you only get out what you put into it. Go out there, get stuck in and have fun!