Lambing/Breeding 2014-Parsnip

[Womwotai]

Heather, I would say try it and be prepared to put them back up if you have any issues.

When my first lamb was 2 days old, I let her and her mother out with the flock. The ram immediately started trying to mount the ewe and in her efforts to ward him off, the lamb was knocked flying several times. It looked like a disaster waiting to happen, so I put them back in their nursery. The second lamb came along a few days later so I had two ewes and two lambs in the nursery. Yesterday the second lamb was 4 days old so I tried again to let them out. This time the ram showed no interest in the ewes. The ewes were thrilled to be out grazing with the flock and the lambs had a blast meeting the other flock members. And, they all went out to the far end of the pasture to graze - something they didn't do while the ewes were in the nursery. I think they didn't want to get that far away from their flock members. They all returned last evening and the ewes took the lambs back to the nursery to spend the night. When I went out to lock up, the mothers and lambs were in the nursery, the rest of the flock sleeping just outside of it - even though the gate to the nursery was wide open. I closed it for the night for the safety of the lambs, but let them back out again right after they'd had their grain this morning and they are once again enjoying having use of the whole pasture.

 

[BrownSheep]

Quick question. My newest lambs(triplets) are 3 days old today and the mom loves them but she wants out of the lambing jug. Do you think it would be safe to let them out? Maybe let them out during the day then put them in the jug at night? I am worried because of the littlest girl. The other two are larger and could keep up. Thank you all for the advice! Also the jug will not need to be used for other ewes for probably another two weeks or so. I only have two ewe left to lamb(thank goodness!)

YES. She is probably going a little stir crazy as that is the longest I've ever gotten a ewe to stay in. As long as she is bonded to her she should return to take care of the lamb. And who knows the lamb will probably surprise you.

 

[purplequeenvt]

At three days old I'd let them out. Assuming they are all strong/smart enough. Our ewes and lambs generally stay jugged for 2-3 days, but that is mainly because we don't have a great barn and the babies are safer in the jugs.

Our ewes actually like being jugged because they get special treatment in there.

The lambing setup we have this year is a small creep area and 3 4x4 (I think) jugs across the back of the barn and then a bigger area about 12'x5' or 6' in front of the jugs. Newborn lambs go in the jugs, slightly older lambs go in the bigger area with other lambs and ewes, and then, finally, they get released into the main barn.

 

[luvmypets]

The vet helped us a lot and yes he is a large animal vet. Ok the vet told my dad why do we own sheep. Also might add I'm getting a ewe for my birthday. We could feel hooves and are so excited for this. That is such a relief boss roo, thanks everyone for your input. She's due any day now. C'mon babies.

 

[luvmypets]

Guys mammies mucus plug came out and she may have possibly broken her water. My dad gives me updates over the phone. Woohoo

 

[Parsnip]

GOOD LUCK

 

[luvmypets]

GOOD LUCK

Thanks

 

[Heather]

Good luck luvmypets. I do not interfere with the process unless it gets prolonged. Animals just know when the process is going right or wrong in my opinion.
Also thanks for the info on letting the lambs out. lol, I have a jug set up that is larger than recommended but only because I am using 2 sides of a dog kennel against 2 sides of the shed. I have been keeping moms and babies up for a week or so only because its been so snowy and COLD! This week is going to be in the 20's/10's give or take. Its VERY wet and muddy also because of a recent warm up melting 8 inches of snow and a good old fashion thunderstorm coming through the night the lambs we born

 

[luvmypets]

Ok guys she is down all four hooves bracing her. We're just waiting now.

 

[Heather]

The waiting is the worst part!!