[Jacob-list] Worst Lambing Event

[Melanie Boxall]

Guys, guys, stop scaring me! I haven't had to assist yet, they've always 
done it by themselves before I got there.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Joy Thomas, SonRise Farm" <shepherdofspots at yahoo.com>
To: "jacob-list" <jacob-list at jacobsheep.com>
Sent: Friday, February 18, 2005 10:12 AM
Subject: [Jacob-list] Worst Lambing Event


> Golly - ya'all make my worst lambing event seem tame!
>
> Was a new shepherd - brand new! Older ewe (MEH - you
> remember Cinnamon, don't you?) had given me a lovely
> ewe. Arrived while I was at church came home to find
> them. Figured gee, this is gonna be easy!! Two days
> later saw a ewe in pasture in obvious pain and
> distress. When I went outside her "come here now
> shepherd" cry was distinct, even to my new shepherd
> ears! Went out and saw her try to push - only ONE
> hoof! Cleaned hands in house, grabbed "the blue book"
> (Laura Lawson), emergency kit and my courage and went
> back to pasture. STILL only one hoof - lubricated and
> felt gently inside. Other front leg was bent back
> where leg joined body, but bent at an angle at knee so
> lamb couldn't get out. Was able between contractions
> to straighten leg - not sure how. Once leg was
> straight - out plopped the lamb - covered in orange
> mucus (which I now know is a sign that it had been a
> long and difficult labor). Ram was okay! Ewe was
> relieved! I was a mess - literally!
>
> WAS SO GLAD I had read the section on lambing
> problems, highlighted certain areas and had an
> emergency kit (lubricant, towels, aspirator for nose
> and mouth of lamb) ready BEFORE incident.
>
> That was about 4 years ago - have had no challenges
> since. Learned one must be ready just in case!
>
> Joy (who is eagerly awaiting our first lamb of 2005)
>
> =====
> Joyce M. Thomas
> Son Rise Farm & Rabbitry, Creedmoor NC
> Hand spun yarns, custom knit & triloom woven items
> www.shepherdofspots.com
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