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SHEEP-fed-barely-sprouting-fodders, page : 177
When a ewe has been in labor for a long time and does not progress, get her up and encourage her to walk. If she is in a small pen (jug) move her out so she can get some exercise.
If a lamb is in the normal birth position, then its front legs and the nose come out first followed by the head, body and hind legs. Should a lamb be in a position other than that delivery will either be assisted by yourself through repositioning, or the help of a vet.
It is not just multiple births that can be positioned other than what is normal, single lambs can also present themselves for delivery in a difficult position.
What to do:
1. If you do not have a pair of obstetrical gloves, wash your hands and arms thoroughly with warm, soapy water, then swab your hands and wrists with iodine, be sure to have your nails clipped short.
2. Wash the ewe's genital area.
3. Lubricate one hand with antiseptic lubricant, or mineral oil, and slip it in to the pelvic opening, gently.
4. Try to ascertain the position of the lamb – signs of various positions are discussed later (pages 110-113).
If you are new to lambing, ask someone who has experience to lend a helping hand, and watch closely so you will be better able to handle situations.
With your hand inside the birth canal the first thing is to try to identify the lamb's legs and position. Make sure that the legs you are feeling all belong to the same lamb because with twin births it is easy to get their legs mixed up.
To identify which legs are which, the best way is to check and feel the differences between its front and back legs. The front legs are muscular above the knees and bend at the knees in the same way that the foot joint bends, with the knuckle pointing forward. The hind legs have a prominent tendon and bend the opposite way from the back foot. The hind legs also have a sharper knuckle. The legs should be aligned so that the tops of the legs are on top. Should the legs be bottom side-up, then the lamb is upside down in the womb and needs to be turned.
If a lamb is in the normal birth position, then its front legs and the nose come out first followed by the head, body and hind legs. Should a lamb be in a position other than that delivery will either be assisted by yourself through repositioning, or the help of a vet.
It is not just multiple births that can be positioned other than what is normal, single lambs can also present themselves for delivery in a difficult position.
What to do:
1. If you do not have a pair of obstetrical gloves, wash your hands and arms thoroughly with warm, soapy water, then swab your hands and wrists with iodine, be sure to have your nails clipped short.
2. Wash the ewe's genital area.
3. Lubricate one hand with antiseptic lubricant, or mineral oil, and slip it in to the pelvic opening, gently.
4. Try to ascertain the position of the lamb – signs of various positions are discussed later (pages 110-113).
If you are new to lambing, ask someone who has experience to lend a helping hand, and watch closely so you will be better able to handle situations.
With your hand inside the birth canal the first thing is to try to identify the lamb's legs and position. Make sure that the legs you are feeling all belong to the same lamb because with twin births it is easy to get their legs mixed up.
To identify which legs are which, the best way is to check and feel the differences between its front and back legs. The front legs are muscular above the knees and bend at the knees in the same way that the foot joint bends, with the knuckle pointing forward. The hind legs have a prominent tendon and bend the opposite way from the back foot. The hind legs also have a sharper knuckle. The legs should be aligned so that the tops of the legs are on top. Should the legs be bottom side-up, then the lamb is upside down in the womb and needs to be turned.