I got my first sheep! I think one ewe is about to lamb!!! help!

Ewe lambs with their first time lambing can be difficult to predict when they are due. Some will show obvious signs and others will not even look “that” pregnant and you go out one day and there it is. My ewe lambs (Dorpers) typically don’t get much of a bag until they are ready to pop. I started with Katahdins and they lambed in the pasture like my Dorpers do – I have never used jugs. They do however have access to shelter if they want. Hypothermia can be a concern in extreme conditions and I will persuade expectant mommas to stay near the shelter if needed.

As soon as they lamb (after time for mom and baby to bond) I move both to another pasture, keeping preg ewes separate from moms and babies. Keeping 1 ewe – especially with her first pregnancy – separate from the others is usually pretty stressful on her.

With first time ewes, think teenage pregnancy. They know something is going on, but not always sure what. The grunting can just be discomfort, or it just may be her. Some worms cause anemia – pale membranes, and others won’t. While checking eye color and stool consistency is important, sometimes it is not enough. Take a sample to vet to be sure. Even a vet that does mainly small animals should be able to give you an idea of how loaded the sample is and whether or not worming would be advised while pregnant. And what to use if worming is indeed needed. Some are regarded as “safe” during pregnancy and some are not. Even the “safe” ones I tend to try not to use unless absolutely necessary until after she lambs.

Sorry this is not much help, but I know what you are going through. It is frustrating as well as exciting sometimes. Good luck and keep us updated.
 
Does her rear look like this? 24 hours after taking this pic, she delivered twins.

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Ok here is the pic. this one is a lot better than the one i posted before... You can see her vulva and udder. Compared to yours udder kuntry girl mines udder is pretty small...
Her body also doesnt look nearly as big as yours. BUT maybe she isnt having twins....

Tell me if anybody can tell anything from this pic.
 
I have birthed many lambs and most of the time they do just fine without any intervention. We do keep an extra eye on first time mothers because sometimes they deliver then don't take care of the lamb. If that happens then we separate them from the flock and make sure the lamb starts to nurse. (they aren't always the brightest babies either). You can't go by the udder at all for some will bag early and others bag after delivery. Once you notice swelling she is getting close. She will separate herself from the rest and you will notice her pawing at the ground. The pawing is her making a nest if you will. That is a definite sign that lamb is on the way. Keep an eye on her from that point on to make sure she finishes okay. I would keep some towels near by just to have ready incase needed.
 
Boykin, no lambs yet. Any day now, am impatiently waiting.....

Tried to upload last years babies, but dang computer is slow today. Must be the rain. Or old computer. Or old operator????

Like dkosh says, it is hard to tell by the udder. And first timers frequently show little bagging compared to a seasoned ewe. My experience, and I am by no way a pro at this, is that Kats and Dorpers generally have only 1 baby the first time around. Not always, but usually. While is vulva is certainly showing signs of getting closer, usually I notice a little more puffiness and less wrinkling. Signs vary between breeds as well as each individual. Sometimes the signs come so quick you miss it – it’s hard to watch them 24 hrs a day. One guy I sold some bred ewe lambs to called and said one had dug a hole in the corner of the paddock and had her baby there. Sometimes I never see them pawing or separating, then notice one of the Pyr’s next to a singled out ewe and there they are.

It sounds like you are doing everything that you should to be prepared, and are getting some good advice from the knowledgeable people here and on BYH. I know the waiting game can be frustrating but the rewards are tremendous!

And belated congrads on becoming a shepherd!

(finally, they uploaded!)


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2 to 4 wk old babies


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here at 3 mos old
 
Ok well thank you. Awww the lambs are so cute. They are so small and fluffy. I cannot wait for my lamb to come. I guess i am just paranoid about the birthing. The guy i got her from the same day i got her one of the other ewes had a problem with her udder and couldnt give milk to the lambs ( she had twins ) and both the lambs died. The guy was gone out of town at the time. He was really frustrated because he bought the mom at an auction and he didnt know anything was wrong. And he happened to go out of town when she lambed. i have towels so i will be prepared. i also have a heat lamp ready in case it is born on a cold night.

The donkey and the sheep are getting along very well. Today, it was raining and they were all sleeping in the shelter. The donkey kind of follows behind the sheep to make sure everything is ok. It is like she is saying i got your back... Sometimes the donkey makes sudden movements and she scares the sheep but usually she only does that when she sees me coming with treats.

i am going to washington dc and the amish country on a field trip for a school field trip the last few days in february and the beggining of march. I think i am gone a week. With my luck they will all lamb while i am gone... I will be SO upset if they do.
My parents will here so the lambs will be alright its just i will be upset because i wont be here!!! AHHHH


Macpoultry i would love to see pictures of some of your lambs as they arrive. It takes me a long time to get pictures on here too. I send them from my phone to my email then save them then go to uploads find the pictures and then copy it on here. Sometimes this will take about 20 minutes
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Thank all of you so much for all the help you have given me. I have had fun talking with yall.
 

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