[Jacob-list] worst lambing experiences topic

[Linda]

It is entirely 'natural' for some lambs to die if we look at the "big picture".  We just don't want it to be our lambs.  I agree, wholeheartedly, that we do have a responsibility to be shepherds to our sheep.  

What a sad story.  These Jacobs are sure hardy critters, but there are certainly limits to what you can expect from them.  Our commercial ewes were over 200 lbs - can't imagine how big the commercial ram was.  A little common sense is helpful sometimes :-)  I seldom leave the farm when lambs are due, just in case.  I am hardly ever needed - but I do have a few like Betty's that like me to around - but I feel more comfortable being here.  I am fortunate in that I really don't need to go anywhere, so I can stay home.

Do you like Lawson's  "managing your ewe" more than "lamb problems"?  I bought both about 4 years ago.  Lots of repetition between the two, but I do like having both.  Merck's is a must have for any animal owner.

Any lambs for you yet, Mary Ellen?  

Linda




www.patchworkfibers.com
Registered Jacob Sheep, Angora Rabbits, Handspun Yarn

On Fri, 18 Feb 2005 12:15:42 -0800 (PST), Mary Hansson wrote:

>
> What every shepherd DOES need to know is that things do go wrong. 
> These are sheep and under our care, and that does mean CARE.  We
> shouldn't just walk away assuming things will be ok because they
> are "natural" and all of us know that "natural is always ok on it's
> own".  That just ain't so.
>
> I had much more confidence with the few problems I have had because
> of a much worse scenario that had happened to another breeder who
> wasn't so bright.  [She bred her Jacob ewes to a commercial
> ram.....DUMB MOVE, and she had a vet bill, and a house-sitter that
> would never come back to her property because they had to go in and
> literally cut the lamb apart (already dead by the time the vet
> came) to get it out of the ewe who almost died.]  I learned from
> this shepherd's lack of knowledge without having to make that
> mistake and also being aware my problem was much less severe.
>
> I recommend that new or less confident shepherds always have
> buddies to call in emergencies.  Get a list of people to call up
> when you have a crisis situation.  Having another ear and brain
> help tremendously.  I still call people after almost 11 years with
> these sheep and am not afraid to admit I have a lot to learn.  I
> have a whole list of poor schmucks that get t o hear my questions
> (these same poor schmucks usually get lots of laughs from my
> experiences, so it is not all a loss).  I offer to talk people
> through worrisome experiences on a regular basis----all the while
> reminding them I am NOT a vet and when at all possible they should
> avail themselves of their vet's services and knowledge.  Every
> single person on this list has people contacts they could make. 
> Get phone numbers of people you feel comfortable talking with (of
> course from those individuals), and don't be afraid to use them.
>
> Arm yourselves with books.  I repeatedly recommend Laura Lawson's
> Managing Your Ewe.  That book is the price of a very inexpensive
> vet farm call.....which has paid for itself probably 50-75 times at
> a minimum at my house alone.  The Merck Vet Manual is another great
> resource...got to weed through it.
>
> Mary Ellen
>
>
> Mary Ellen Hansson, MEd, RD, LDN
> ISeeSpots Farm
> Jacob Sheep: Lambs, adults, wool
> www.iseespots.com