First Time Lambing Questions

[WolfeMomma]

So this is our first time dealing with lambing. I have heard many people recommend a lambing kit? Anything that you all would recommend as must haves ? Any emergency Items?. Im trying to put together a big box that I can take to the barn that will have everything I need. I am a total newbie at this, so any advice helps!
Next Question I have 2 Ewes in one 10x12 box stall, Do they need to be separated come lambing time or will they be ok in the same stall together to lamb. I will separate them if I absolutely have to , but I would rather not as they are quite attached to one another.
Thanks!

 

[Latestarter]

There are many posts on here regarding kidding "kits" and I imagine there'd be very little difference. https://www.backyardherds.com/threads/birthing-kit-supplies.37045/ <--- contains a list by @Sheepshape https://www.backyardherds.com/threads/kidding-supply-list-kidding-notes.35939/ <---Thread by @Sally Sunshine who is by nature extremely detailed and thorough, and even though done for goats/kids, would/should be almost identical for ewes/lambs.

I think if you built a basic "removable" wall of 4' height and 10' length (or 12' depending on present stall opening), using fencing for the partition material, you could split the single stall you have into separate lambing jugs, one for each ewe. They'd still be able to smell and see each other & even touch noses if they wanted so shouldn't suffer any separation anxiety. You could even drive some T-posts down the middle and slip pallets over them vertically to separate the space. The resulting jugs would still be large enough @ 6' x 10' (or 5' x 12') that you could be in with them to help should they need it. This way, if a ewe does become overly protective of her lamb(s) she won't be able to battle with the other ewe. Or tries to abandon it, she won't have anywhere to run to get away & leave it. @mysunwolf @Roving Jacobs @secuono or any of the other Sheeple here might have additional stuff to add... Good luck and please share some pics when they arrive!

 

[Mike CHS]

Are the sheep easily handled by you?

Ours lamb in the field and as soon as we see a new one we pick up the lamb to take in to do anything that needs doing. The ewe will follow right along as long as you hold the lamb low enough she can see it.

 

[WolfeMomma]

@Mike CHS They are very easily handled. Very friendly sheep. I was hoping to have them Lamb inside, as we already have a lot of snow and will keep getting snow until at least April up here.

 

[WolfeMomma]

@Latestarter good ideas, I will run the idea of a removable "wall" by my husband and see what he thinks, he's the builder not me . We can't drive anything in to the ground in the stall as they are on rubber mats. But i might be able to rig something up that attaches to the wall of the barn that will separate them a little bit.

 

[Baymule]

Zip ties. Gosh I love those things! Make a panel and zip tie it in place. When done, just cut them loose.

 

[Latestarter]

Quite a few possibilities really and I'm sure you'll get it all figured out.

 

[WolfeMomma]

@Baymule oo yes I love zip ties too. But the walls are solid pine board so I'm not sure what I would secure the ties to? Maybe I can create some hooks. I was thinking about splitting the stall with a cattle panel, and using those u hooks to secure it.

 

[Baymule]

Do you have access to the back of those pine boards? I'm thinking U-bolts might be a better option than hooks. The U-bolts wouldn't stick out like a hook to get "hooked" LOL. I would catch my clothing, skin, anything and everything on a hook. If U-bolts are not an option, what about fence staples? They are easy to take out too.

Or you could mount U-bolts on a couple of short pieces of board and screw them to that nice pine board wall. Then attack your cow panel partition.

You might look into getting a sheep and goat panel. The holes are 4x4 instead of 6x6. My lambs can pop through the cow panels when they are tiny first borns

 

[WolfeMomma]

@Baymule Thankyou! i didn't even think about the lambs being able to get through the cow panel. I will have to see if our local TSC has sheep and goat panels! This first lambing is going to be stressful ahah! We shall see if i have any hair left by the time its over with !!!