LAMBS FROM BIRTH UNTIL WEANED! 



dam. When only one person is present, the task may 

 not be an easy one, especially if the lamb is unable to 

 stand. In such instances it renders the work easier if 

 the ewe is turned up ; that is, placed upon her buttock, her 

 back being supported against the breast of the shepherd. 

 His hands are then sufficiently free to enable him to aid 

 the lamb in nursing. When two persons are present the 

 work is more easily and usually more effectively accom- 

 plished. The lamb may also be fed by drawing some milk 

 from the ewe and feeding the same to the lamb with a 

 spoon. When the atmosphere is cold, it will aid in giving 

 the milk warm if hot water has been in the cup just 

 before the milk is withdrawn from the ewe. The lamb's 

 mouth is kept open sufficiently by putting a finger into 

 it, and care must be taken not to feed the milk too fast, 

 lest the lamb should strangle. If no milk can be obtained 

 from the ewe, which sometimes happens, resort must be 

 had to cow's milk. When such milk is fed, one-third of 

 its bulk in water should be added and also a little sugar, 

 to make it more nearly resemble the milk of the ewe in 

 its constituents. Milk should be thus given in very small 

 quantities, and frequently, rather than in large amounts 

 and at long intervals. 



When twin lambs are born the attentions of the ewe 

 are sometimes centered on the care of one lamb to the 

 neglect of the other. In some instances one lamb will 

 be much stronger than the other, and when milk is not 

 plentiful will get more than its rightful share. Timely 

 aid and timely and sufficient attention on the part of the 

 shepherd may not only prevent many a ewe from disown- 

 ing her lamb, but may also save the life of lambs that 

 would otherwise perish. It may be necessary thus to aid 

 such lambs for several days, or until they are able to take 

 care of themselves. 



If, within a few hours of birth, a lamb should appear 

 dumpish and drowsy, it will usually be found that this 

 condition is caused by constipation. If an injection is 



