-Resolved- LAMB JUST BORN! HELP? Don't know if I should interfere; not really prepared for this

[Sheepshape]

Childwander....if they are safe, feeding and warm,it's time you went off to your own bed.......

And, once more, congratulations to you all.

 

[Baymule]

I remember my first lamb a couple of years ago. I woke up, rushed out to be greeted not by ONE set of twins, but TWO ewes had twins! My excitement was over the moon!

I totally understand your love, devotion and excitement. You are a excellent sheep Mommy.

 

[Latestarter]

Ummmm OK, I have to agree with the common sense approach... since they are both doing well, time to sleep in your own bed.

 

[Childwanderer]

Haha! I'm sleeping inside tonight I introduced them to the livestock guard donkey today. He seems to approve of the new addition, and should keep them safe.

 

[Ridgetop]

My GCN ewe just gave birth, even though I THOUGHT she was due at the beginning of February. Her udder is roundish, but small and I'm concerned about the lamb getting enough milk. She seems to latch on and suckle for a moment, but mom turns and baby loses her grip. Mom is a bit flighty, and harder for baby to catch when I get too close. The roads are frozen, but I don't have any colostrum or milk replacer. What should I do? Help a first-time lambing idiot out.

 

[Ridgetop]

Is this her first time lambing? First timers often take a bit to figure things out. Sounds like she is nervous and doesn't quite know what to do. Keep them in small pen. Catch the ewe and tie her then put the lamp on the teat. If lamb doesn't latch on check that milk is coming out. The test opening is protected by a waxy plug that usually comes out when the lamb nurses. If lamb is not super strong it can't suck out the plug and won't keep nursing if it doesn't get milk. Once the lamb learns to nurse and the ewe learns the lamb is hers everything will be fine. Ewe's udder will get larger as she makes more milk as lamb grows. Once lamb learns to nurse it will be ok. DON'T try to take lamb and bottle feed! Ewe and lamb need to bond. Ewe's milk will come in. If you are concerned that lamb is not eating gently pinch lower sides of lamb's body. It will feel ful if lamb is eating. If lamb is not eating sides will feel like empty sock.

 

[Ridgetop]

Just saw this is an older post so my info not needed. Glad everything is ok. Congrats on twins!

 

[Childwanderer]

Thanks! It turns out we had a singleton, actually. Both mom and baby are doing great.

 

[ducks4you]

Congratulations! I think that milk replacer comes in a powder? Next time buy ahead of time. I stock up on bedding in the winter ahead of the storms and we were in the deep freeze, off and on for 3 weeks, -22 degrees F wind chill for several days in a row!! Agreed, don't use a heat lamp. Somebody locally burned their barn down with one of those, keeping their chicks warm. You only need to create a box without drafts, but allowing for air flow. I created this for my chickens under their wooden coop to make a wind shelter and I just used plywood pieces supported by cinder blocks. Plywood is cheap and you probably have extra pieces stored.
Spot clean and replace the bedding every day. Lambies come with a coat and whatEVER bedding you have your critters will lay down in it and the heat will radiate back on them. Plus she has her mom to lay against.

 

[Childwanderer]

Yes, next time I'll definitely stock up in advance! The lamb, whom we have named Chinchilla, is one week old and has moved with her mother out of the barn into the rotational paddock with the rest of the flock. She is high-energy and in good health. Yesterday she started testing the other sheep's patiences, jumping on them and systematically making herself the maximum nuisance to them. She is learning about grazing, too. she'll mimic her mom eating and gum on grass and hay. She's so cute! She tolerates petting well and lets us hold her for cuddles.