When I first started farming, 2 years ago, I had never seen ewe give birth, only cats and dogs, and of course, myself too. Yes, I watched that in a mirror.
Anyhow, I did not know exactly what to expect. It is a little different when an animal has hooves, than say, a puppy or kitten, and also because the babies are larger from sheep than cats and dogs. I tried to read all I could so I was ready in case help was required, plus the rare breeds of sheep I chose to keep, were natural with birthing and rarely would require help. Right?
Well, that was true. Shetlands, Icelandics, Karakuls, Merinos and Cotswolds are usually good mothers and do not need any help birthing their young. In fact, most are uncomfortable with my presence too close, so although I wanted to document a birth, catching a mom who would not get up and walk away if I approached was not quite so simple.
This is a first time Cotswold giving birth. The pictures are in sequence with a brief description of what to expect and what is normal. The birth progressed as it should have without any intervention from me, except to help dry off the baby. The mom got the idea she should lick the little one, and her tongue was going a mile a minute in mid air, but did not quite connect with the lamb, so I helped. Later, mom was less apprehensive and did continue to lick the baby. I hope this helps others who are new to lambing as it would have helped me when I was busy researching.
Anyhow, I did not know exactly what to expect. It is a little different when an animal has hooves, than say, a puppy or kitten, and also because the babies are larger from sheep than cats and dogs. I tried to read all I could so I was ready in case help was required, plus the rare breeds of sheep I chose to keep, were natural with birthing and rarely would require help. Right?
Well, that was true. Shetlands, Icelandics, Karakuls, Merinos and Cotswolds are usually good mothers and do not need any help birthing their young. In fact, most are uncomfortable with my presence too close, so although I wanted to document a birth, catching a mom who would not get up and walk away if I approached was not quite so simple.
This is a first time Cotswold giving birth. The pictures are in sequence with a brief description of what to expect and what is normal. The birth progressed as it should have without any intervention from me, except to help dry off the baby. The mom got the idea she should lick the little one, and her tongue was going a mile a minute in mid air, but did not quite connect with the lamb, so I helped. Later, mom was less apprehensive and did continue to lick the baby. I hope this helps others who are new to lambing as it would have helped me when I was busy researching.
The uncomfortable mother, pacing and laying down, has isolated herself in a corner for birthing.
Watch to see that both front feet present first. That is normal, with the head between the legs. If there is only one leg, the other may have to be repositioned by the shepherd.
A first time mom has more difficulty. This birth took over half an hour which was very stressful for the baby and mom.
The head is through. That is the hardest part. The rest should follow quickly. The baby is not breathing yet and still connected by the umbilical to the mother.
Look at the mother's face. She was in labour for more than a half hour. The baby is very weak due to the stress of delivery for so long.
The umbilical cord broke as the baby finally was born. The mom was licking the air. She knew she had to lick, but was not sure what. So, I cleaned the baby's face and mouth with a clean towel to ensure she was clear to breathe.
And here she is! The little baby Cotswold ewe lamb is healthy and attempting to stand. Watch for the mother to expel the placenta. I put the pair in the barn in a stall to bond. The mother did not stand to let the baby nurse. She should have stood and pushed the baby towards her udder. In the barn, I held the mother and the baby to make sure the little one did get colostrum. Because she was weak, she did not suck hard enough to remove the wax plug, so I milked the mother and did it for her. She is on her way now. Welcome little ewe!
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