14 
farmers' BI LLETIN 840. 
THE LAMBING SEASON. 
IMPORTANCE OF CARE DURING LAMBING. 
The lambing season is the shephercVs harvest time, and the size 
and quality of the crop practically determine the profits. A large 
crop of good lambs is the base of good financial returns, while a small 
crop of lambs means less profit, and if they are inferior in quality 
great skill and care are necessary to make any profit. At this time 
extra attention must be given to the ewes and lambs. In no other 
way can time be used to better advantage on the farm. If a record 
of the date of service has been kept, the approximate date of lamb- 
ing can readily be foretold, for the ewes will generally carry their 
young about 145 days (five days less than five months). 
CARE OF THE EWES. 
Heavy grain feeding just before himbing is likely to cause udder 
troubles. At this time the wool around the udder should be clipped 
short to allow the lamb to find the teats readily. Just before lamb- 
ing the ewe becomes restless and appears sunken in front of the 
hips. She should be put into a separate pen, which may be made 
of two light panels fastened together by a hinge and set in a corner.^ 
These panels permit the ewe to see the other members of the flock 
and prevent her from becoming excited or nervous. Their use also 
prevents other sheep from trampling on the lamb, and the ewe has 
a good chance to get acquainted with her lamb at the start, thus 
avoiding the danger of disowned lambs later. These lambing pens 
should be in a well-ventilated room that is free from drafts and 
as warm as it can be made without artificial heat. In very cold 
weather a blanket thrown over the lambing pen will insure sufficient 
warmth to give the lamb a good chance in the first few hours, which 
are important ones. 
TROUBLES AT PARTURITION. 
Well-fed ewes seldom have much trouble in lambing, but there 
may always be need of assistance for a few ewes. If the ewe 
strains for half an hour without delivering the lamb, aid may then 
be given. The normal position of the lamb at birth is to have the 
forelegs extended with the head lying between them. If the lamb 
is not in the proper position, the shepherd should correct it by 
inserting the hand and arm into the vulva and effecting the change. 
When such assistance is needed the shepherd should first trim his 
finger nails and rub vaseline or oil upon his hand. In either case, 
when the position is correct the lamb can usually be successfully 
1 These panels are described in Farmers' Bulletin 810. 
