98 FITTING SHEEP 



is the most anxious time for the shepherd. If we have 

 been thoughtful and careful in feeding and caring for our 

 ewes, we may be said to have reduced danger of loss in 

 the lambing season to a minimum. If, as too often is the 

 case, our ewes have been fed too highly, there is much 

 danger from parturient apoplexy, while on the other hand, 

 poor feeding brings about weakness and its consequent 

 dangers. Then again, feeding a ewe too highly just after she 

 has lambed often causes the ewe to scour, and also brings 

 trouble in the shape of garget; in either case the lamb 

 suffers. The lamb, under normal conditions, comes fore 

 feet first, next comes the head laying on the fore legs. 

 Sometimes the head of the lamb will be found turned back 

 against its side, then, again, sometimes it seems determined 

 to come stern first, with the legs doubled back. In the 

 former case the shepherd should push the lamb back into 

 the womb and there straighten it out so that it may come 

 in the natural way. In the latter case mentioned the lamb 

 should likewise be pushed back into the womb, the hind legs 

 straightened out, and the lamb then removed from the ewe, 

 hind parts first. Of course, usually, this is the wrong way 

 for a lamb to come, but in this case it is the easiest, and 

 therefore the right way. 



One important matter to be studied by the shepherd, that 

 tends much to a successful lambing season, is that in per- 

 forming operations of this kind he throw sentiment to the 

 winds and go to work in a business-like way and manner. 

 If he considers that a ewe needs help let him help her 

 right away, for "delays are dangerous." If a ewe appears 

 faint and almost "played out," he should not forget that a 

 stimulant may save her. 



