What to Expect When Your Sheep Lambs (Gives Birth)

Some sheep (like Tunis) go into a ‘rut’ in fall and lamb in spring.

Many breeds of sheep lamb twice a year (once in spring and again in fall).

Depending on your breed of choice, you may be in lambing season now.

There are some recommend procedures when it comes to lambing.  But, don’t be too stressed, thankfully, sheep seem to get along just fine giving birth on their own.

As I searched the interweb last spring for signs that your sheep is about to give birth, I found that many of these techniques were somewhat difficult if not impossible to monitor.

I thought that I’d share my experience in case you are a newbie sheep owner and would like to know that you are not alone.

Rules of Lambing

There are some signs and signals to look for if you would like a clue as to when to expect lambs.

Let’s take a look at them and then chat about the possibility of actually noticing these signs in real life.

Udder Observation

The first sign to look for to see if you ewe is about to give birth is to check the udder.  Like other animals (cows for instance)  the udder will fill out before lambing.

Ewes usually “bag out” a couple of days prior to lambing.

The problem is wool.

Sheep are amazingly hidden under a pile of fleece.  Especially in winter – which happens to be lambing season for many sheep.  When lambing time occurs around our place, I can hardly find their udders, much less “observe them” for milk production.

Drooping Bellies

Prior to giving birth, the sheep’s belly will begin to droop as the position of the uterus shifts lower.  Especially with ewes carrying multiples, they will have sagging bellies 4-6 weeks before lambing.

Again, we have a HUGE fleece situation preventing me from eyeballing these physical changes that are happening underneath all of that fluff.

Pregnancy Glow

No, I am not talking about her face.

The sheep’s vulva will turn from pink to red prior to giving birth.  This is due to the increased blood flow.

If you have fat-tailed sheep, you will need to do a little searching underneath that paddle of a tail to observe things.

NOTE:  In order to notice changes in your gals nether regions, you’re gonna need to inspect it on an average day (when a birth is not imminent) so you will be able to notice changes in color or voluptuousness.

Restlessness

Like cows, sheep will appear unable to get comfortable when they are about to give birth, due to the contractions.  They will lay down, and after just a few minutes, get up only to readjust and lay down again.

Your ewe may appear restless and uncomfortable.  She may paw the ground, walk in circles, and/or go-between standing and laying down trying to get comfortable.

At our place, I’m not sure why, but my sheep seem to give birth in the middle of the night.  I have yet to see a sheep uncomfortable or appear to be in labor.   We usually just wake up in the morning to find lambs in the field.

Wandering

If a ewe wanders away from the herd by herself, she could be giving birth.  She is probably looking for a quiet place.  If you suspect this, put her in a pen where she is safe and you can keep an eye on her.  This will minimize her stress level too.

Amniotic Sack

You may actually see the amniotic sack protruding from her vulva.  This happens before the lambs appear.  Don’t worry if you see this.  The contractions will eventually cause the sack to burst.  Once this happens the birth will happen shortly after.

Should I call the Vet?

Yes.

When doubt, or questions, or concern arises – phone the vet. I have never regretted giving my vet a call.

If the birth is not happening quickly, or it seems stalled, or your ewe appears exhausted, be sure to contact the vet.

If this is the first time the ewe has lambed, a vet may be necessary.

AFTER BIRTH

Once the big event has occurred, there are some steps you will want to take to make sure everyone is healthy.

This is when the fun really begins.

Check on the Lamb

After the lamb is born make sure there are not any membranes covering its face.  Remove and slime from its mouth and nose so it can breathe freely.

The Afterbirth

Once the lambs are on the ground, the ewe will pass the afterbirth.  This could take a few hours.

If the afterbirth does not come out a vet should be contacted.

Don’t be alarmed if the sheep eats the afterbirth.  There are many vitamins and minerals inside the squid that is good for her.  Cows also eat their afterbirth, which I think is much more disgusting.  I almost died watching Trinka eat her’s.  It was the size of a spare tire and she choked the entire thing down in one swoop.  It was horrible.

The ewe should be up, lively, and acting normal after birth.  If she is lethargic call the vet.

At our place, lambing is an exciting time.  The ewes have lambed easily in the past.

Watching the lambs playing in the fields is one of my very favorite things in the world.  They are so stinkin’ cute.

XO,

Candi