Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
For large fl ocks that lamb on pasture, a small sheep and lambing shed
comes in handy as a place to store feed and supplies and as a place to take
care of sick or hurt animals. This type of structure provides fl exibility for the
shepherd. A design for a small lambing shed is available from the USDA plan
service; this design works well for small- to medium-sized fl ocks that will be
lambing during inclement weather.
Old farm buildings can often be remodeled to meet a shepherd's needs,
and inexpensive, alternative types of buildings are also gaining acceptance.
For example, shepherds are beginning to use “hoop” houses (which are like
a greenhouse made with plastic sheeting) or straw-bale structures instead
of a conventional building. (Whether you're thinking of constructing a
new building or adapting an old one, check the Resources section for more
information.)
Jugs
A jug is a pen that's used for one ewe and her lamb. Ewes lambing for the
fi rst time may be nervous or confused because of their lack of experience or
underdeveloped maternal instincts; they should be alone in the jug with their
lambs for at least 3 days until they become accustomed to the nursing lambs.
Mature ewes may need to be alone with their lambs for only 1 day. After you're
confi dent that the ewe has bonded with her lamb, she can be sent to a pen
with other ewes and their new lambs. The size of the groups depends on the
age of the lambs. The older the lambs, the larger the group can be.
Some shepherds have their ewes lamb in the jug, while others use it imme-
diately after the ewes have lambed. Ewes prefer a larger area for the actual
lambing, where they can walk around freely before labor. One advantage of
lambing in a jug as opposed to lambing on pasture is that it provides a confi ned
space if help is needed for a diffi cult birth. In addition, good light is available
for watching the ewe's progress. However, lambing in jugs means that the
bedding will be wet, and that can lead to chilling unless you promptly clean
out the bedding and replace it. Because of the trend toward larger sheep, rec-
ommendations for jug size have been increasing. The larger pen is defi nitely
better if you want to have the ewe confi ned in the jug for lambing.
The jug allows the ewe and lamb to bond without distraction, keeps the
lamb from getting separated from its mother, and protects the lamb from
being trampled by other sheep or becoming wet and chilled. Ordinarily, the
new family is penned together for up to 3 days so they can be easily observed
and treated if complications arise. Do not allow dogs or strangers to approach
 
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