[Jacob-list] 1st time lamber

[Linda]

Jacobs vary in a lot of ways - and one way is how they indicate impending birth. I've got primitive ewes that hardly show any udder until after lambing and never really have large udders. Despite the fact they have have small udders, they raise fat, bouncy, primitive type lambs. I've got ewes that can hardly get their hind legs together for the last few weeks. Some ewes don't eat much the day before lambing - some lamb while finishing up their breakfast. Some go hide out in the woods the day before - some lamb in the middle of the flock. Some obviously "drop" a day before.  Some don't show any obvious drop in the morning and they have lambs by evening. Some you can't see the tail head drop, but you can feel it. I know my adult ewes pretty well, so I go by behavior with them more than any physical signs. Although I do know when most of them were bred, so I do have a window. 

If you lambed last year, you'll know the difference between vulva swelling and SERIOUS vulva swelling. 

Like you, I like to be around during lambing and I was always there when my mares foaled.  They very seldom need me, but I like to be there in case they do.  Plus I'll never tire of seeing them born. 

Linda
anxiously awaiting our March lambs
 
www.patchworkfibers.com
Registered Jacob Sheep, Angora Rabbits, Handspun Yarn


> Only one of my ewes does not have a confirmed breeding date.. She

> was purchased,   We did ultrasounds on everyone last month and she

> was"pretty far along"  and more than 90 days... That's as close as

> she could get as after 90 days it is difficult to tell.  We do know

> she is carrying at least twins.

>

> She has been bagging for 2 weeks now.  Last year was our first year

> to lamb out Jacobs.. But all of our ewe's were older "Pro's"

>

> Knowing that this may be pretty confusing... I'm concerned for this

> gal...especially with twins or more!

>

> We sheared her on Saturday..  Other than watching for the tail head

> to be more prominent, and the vulva swelling...anyone have any good

> cues we are getting close?

>

> Jennifer Tucker

> Moose Mtn Ranch

> Bennett, CO

>

>

> Who's never won? Biggest Grammy Award surprises of all time on AOL

> Music.

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