LAMBING PRACTICES

EARLY SPRING LAMBING

• Early spring lambs are born in January/February.
• Breeding must start in August for early spring lambs.
• There are fewer problems with parasites.

LATE SPRING LAMBING

• They are born in March, April, & May.
• Breeding starts in October.
• Parasite problems are worse during these months.
• Feed during this season comes mostly from pasture.

FALL LAMBING

• They are born before December 25th.
• Some breeds of sheep that will breed out of season are:
• Rambouillet, Merino, Dorset, & Tunis.

LAMBING MANAGEMENT

• Ewes should not be disturbed when they're giving birth.
• Only give assistance if an ewe is having difficulty.
• The pen that the lamb is put in should be clean, warm, & dry.
• Make sure that the newborn lamb nurses.
• If it's weak, help it.

LAMBING MANAGEMENT CONTINUED...

• Dry it off to prevent it from chilling.
• Some ewes don't want their lambs.
• There is not a certain way to get the ewe to claim it.
• Tying the ewe down until the lamb nurses works sometimes.

SHEARING SHEEP

• They are usually sheared in the spring.
• Sheep should be sheared in a clean place.
• Black sheep are separated and sheared last.

THE END!