As a ewe nears parturition, these are the signs you should look out for:

• Udder Development. When a ewe is getting ready to give birth, her udder and teats will be distended. Additionally, the udder enlarges and begins producing colostrum. This colostrum, the same one that human mothers produce, is the nutrient-rich first milk crucial for lamb health.

Following the delivery of one lamb, it is customary to gently probe the abdomen right in front of the udder, which shows whether there is another lamb(s) in the uterus. Opinions are divided on whether to deliver the second lamb or leave well alone.

• Ligament Changes: The ligaments around the tail head soften, causing a noticeable slackening as the ewe’s body readies itself for birth.

The three stages of normal lambing are:

• Cervical Dilation
  The cervix relaxes and opens, and the ewe experiences uterine contractions. This stage typically lasts 2–6 hours.
• Expulsion of the lamb
  The lamb’s head, forelegs, or hind legs enter the birth canal. This stage usually lasts 30–120 minutes.
• Expulsion of the placenta
  The ewe passes the placenta, which usually occurs within 8–12 hours after birth. 

Signs that a ewe is about to lamb include: Becoming uneasy, getting up and down frequently, switching her tail, bleating frequently, and straining. 

A farmer may need to assist with the delivery if the ewe is having trouble, there are complications, or the lamb is too large

• Use a ewe retainer if the ewe is having trouble giving birth. Our Prolapse Retainer aids in the smooth assistance of the lambs’ birthing process. Preparing for the lambing and even an abnormal delivery as the worst-case scenario has never been easier with the prolapse retainer.

  Check the ewe to ensure she’s fully dilated and the lamb is in the correct position, especially in cases involving later-born lambs, which can include risks like asphyxiation if the amnion does not rupture appropriately or an elbow lock.

  An elbow lock is one of the most common malpresentations and is usually easy to correct. It is when a lamb’s head and front feet extend from the cervix, but the feet are bent downward at the elbow.

  To correct an elbow lock, you can:

  • Press the lamb’s head back into the ewe’s pelvis.
  • Flex the lamb’s shoulder, elbow, and knee joints on the remaining leg.
  • Extend the femur and elbow joints in that sequence.
  • Apply mild tension on both forelegs.

  Another strategy for helping with difficult births is to alternately pull one front leg back and then the other, at a slightly downward angle, to help the lamb out.

  Remember to place the lamb in front of the ewe once it’s born. The first hour after birth is the most crucial bond that the ewe has with its lamb. Let us read on to learn why the bonding between the ewe and the lamb is an important phase in the lambing process.

  First, this is when the lamb gets the colostrum from the ewe. Sucking colostrum from the ewe helps create that mother and child bond, which improves its survival. Lambs that are weak and slow to stand and suck have a high chance of developing hypothermia, infectious disease, and starvation.

  Remember, colostrum contains growth factors that strengthen the lamb’s gut, aid in closing it, and limit the spread of pathogens. Allowing the ewe to claim the lamb helps her clean and dry it off. After the lambing, the ewe and lamb can be moved to a lambing jug, which is an individual pen that helps with bonding and prevents the ewe from smothering the lamb.

  How to deliver a breech lamb?

  1. Start by carefully bringing the lamb’s back legs forward, guiding them until they’re straightened out.
  2. Cup the lamb’s ankles (called fetlocks) in your palm, keeping a gentle but steady grip to support the legs.
  3. Once the hind legs are in position, continue with the delivery as quickly as you can. Timing is important here to help the lamb safely enter the world.
  4. As soon as the umbilical cord breaks, the lamb will start breathing, so act promptly to reduce the risk of it inhaling any fluid.

 Becoming uneasy, getting up and down frequently, switching her tail, bleating frequently, and straining. 

A farmer may need to assist with the delivery if the ewe is having trouble, there are complications, or the lamb is too large

Caring for Newborn Lambs:

1.Monitor the ewe’s contractions and behavior, and leave her alone if she’s pushing.

2.The water bag will appear first, followed by the lamb within 30 minutes to 1 hour.

3.Assist the ewe by cleaning the lamb’s mouth and nose, and ensuring it’s breathing.

4.Allow the ewe to claim the newborn lamb and dry it off.

5.Ewe lambs should not be bred until they have reached maturity to avoid potential complications during delivery.

6.When the ewe and ram lambs are four months old, they must be separated and also vaccinated to control parasites that might impose health risks other sheep.

Pay close attention to nutrition to maintain proper ewe body condition throughout pregnancy.

1.Assemble supplies well ahead of when the first lambs are expected to arrive and take the time to observe ewes throughout the lambing season to ensure a smooth lambing season.

2.Keep an eye out for signs of labor, such as the udder becoming engorged.

3.Be prepared to assist with lambing if needed.

4.Ensure you are present to uphold the safety of the newborn lamb. Ensure the lamb’s mouth and nose are clean of mucous and fluid.

5.Ensure the lambs are breathing well then allow the ewe to claim the newborn lamb and dry it off.

6.To ensure there is not even a single dead lamb, assisting with newborn lamb birthing is needed. Difficult births (Dystocia) are one of the leading causes of newborn lamb deaths. In New Zealand, it accounts for 50% of newborn lambs deaths.

7.Never put the ewes into lambing pens if they have not finished lambing. These ewes may not have enough room to get the first lamb out with the limited space in a lambing pen. When they’re done lambing, that’s the time you may put them into lambing pens.

8.If the ewes have enough room in the lambing pens, they should be locked up at night.

9.Additionally, remember that ewe lambs should not be bred until they have developed into a sufficient age. When healthy and nutritionally nourished, breeding ewe lambs should be between 10-12 months.