[Jacob-list] Rejected lamb

[Lasell J. Bartlett]

On May 12, 2011, at 10:38 AM, Joshua Bourget wrote:


> So my question is this...Will this ewe be a better mother next time  

> around? and actually care for her lamb? or should i consider  

> removing her from my flock. Has anybody had experience with bad  

> first time moms that turned out to be great moms once they were  

> older??



Hi Josh,

I think your first mistake was to clean up the lamb yourself. Ewes  
depend highly on scent to recognize their lambs.

I have seen first time moms look like they are wondering what the  
heck is that?! but have figured it out and allowed and later  
supported their lamb/s to nurse, etc. I have also seen experienced  
moms reject lamb/s and I have to figure they know something I don't  
know, which sometimes becomes evident within the first week, although  
we regularly make efforts to help each lamb survive, including  
cornering the ewe and holding her while the lamb is put on to nurse,  
or bottle feeding if needed.

Good luck with making a decision. She could be a great mom next year,  
or not.

Lasell J Bartlett
lasell at lasell.org