Is she going to deliver?

[shanzone2001]

Advice, please.........
My ewe is huge and looked like she has dropped. She has become red and swollen back "there". Does this happen a few weeks before birthing, or a few days?
Thanks in advance!!!

[Ross]

Yes. Weeks might only happen occasionally but I'd think less than 7 days normally. Watch for signs she's pushing of seperating her self from the others.

[Bearfootfarm]

The Process of Lambing

http://bedford.extension.psu.edu/Agr...%20Lambing.htm

Just watch, and RESIST the urge to "do something" to help.
There's no rushing them, and disturbing them will slow it down.
Only after her water breaks is the time that she's should show continous progression.
When you first start to see the lamb, make sure youre seeing 2 hooves and a nose.
If you are, things are fine.
If not, then it may be time to wash up and feel inside to see how the lamb is positioned.
The vast majority of ewes get by with no help at all.
Let HER clean the lamb, and get them into a small dry, draft free pen for a couple of days to bond.

Clip the cord and dip or spray with iodine, milk the ewe enough to make sure the colostrum is flowing and the teats arent blocked, and make sure the lamb nurses within the first hour.

She wont be nearly as nervous about it as you will be

Good luck!

[shanzone2001]

Thanks for the advice. So, how long until real labor if this is indeed a sign of pre-labor? You are sooooooooo right when you say she will be less nervous than me!! She has done this twice before.

[shanzone2001]

Ok, I just went to the website Bearfootfarm gave me. Thanks! Yep, it looks like it will be soon. Thanks, Ross, for the advice. I do hope it is less than 7 days, which you said is normal.

[Bearfootfarm]

I do hope it is less than 7 days, which you said is normal

I'm not sure there is a "normal" with sheep.

Some dont show any obvious signs until you find a lamb beside them, and others act like they will deliver any minute, then stand up like nothing ever happened and dont lamb for a couple of weeks.

Just watch her, and when she starts the "nesting" behavior, it's SHOWTIME!

[shanzone2001]

I just went down to the barn to close her in and she didn't run away from me which is sooooo not like her. I am so excited! Your advice is very much appreciated! I will post an update when she delivers just in case you wanted to know.........

[Bearfootfarm]

I will post an update when she delivers just in case you wanted to know.........

Try to get pictures too
Give her a bucket of warm water when she's done

[shanzone2001]

Got it!!!! I will add some molasses, too!

[francismilker]

Good Post info here! I was just fixin to make a new thread account one of the ewes is "all of the sudden" swollen in the backend and making a noticeable udder. Thanks for the info.