NORMAL BIRTH

Normal Birth - What to Expect © Kathy Baker Oct 01 2005 Most ewes exhibit changes in their behaviour as they get closer to lambing. If you are able to observe your flock, you may notice the early signs a day or two before lambing. Remember that not all ewes provide clear signals. First time lambers and even experienced ewes may surprise you with lambs without any warning. Over time you will notice subtle behaviour changes and will also get to know the birthing style of the ewes in your flock. Remember that well prepared, healthy Shetland ewes should be expected to deliver on their own. Try not to interfere too early. Try not to disturb, interrupt or move ewes preparing to lamb, during labour or during the bonding process after the lamb is on the ground. The following are signs that your ewe is preparing to lamb. -vulva looks larger, pink and soft -tail is held up -lambs drop within the ewe leaving sunken areas in front of hips -udder may fill and firm up -staring or gaze into distance -mucous plug at cervix is released and you may notice a bit of mucous discharge from the vulva (12-14 hrs before Birth) -ewe may not want to eat on day of delivery -ewe is restless -seeking privacy and moving away from flock -defending her private space, aggressively pushing other ewes away -pawing at the ground or preparing a nest in the straw for delivery -ewe may lie down and get up frequently -biting at her sides -ewe is having early uterine contractions that serve to dilate the cervix over a period of 1-2 hrs.
Onset of Labour -contractions become more forceful, water bag enters the birth canal -ewe may squat to try to urinate frequently -ewe begins forceful contractions. she may lie down or stand or do a bit of both -ewe may lick or curl lips, strain neck upwards and become more vocal as she pushes -waterbag should be visible with in 30-45 minutes of hard contractions (If not see Problems) -the water bag or amniotic sac should look basically clear, perhaps a bit opaque. This is normal. If the fluid is dark or greenish, it is likely that the lamb is in distress and has passed meconium or the first bowel movement into the fluid filled sac. (Consider pulling the lamb, clearing the sac from the nose area and ensuring the lamb is breathing. (See Problems) -ewe may begin to call to her lambs softly
Delivery of the Lamb -labour continues and lamb is generally delivered with in 30-45 minutes of the water bag presentation/breaking (first time lambers often take longer, experienced ewes may be faster -water bag usually breaks, ewe licks and sniffs the area where it broke -normal presentation means that the lamb comes out with both front feet first, with the nose resting on the legs or just off to the side of the legs. Picture provided by Cynthia Caillagh
-ewe continues to push -contractions frequent -some ewes may get up and lick/sniff or look to see if the lamb is on the ground yet -after the head is out, the rest of the body usually follows easily Picture provided by Cynthia Caillagh
-shoulders out -the lamb should be delivered with in 30-45 minutes of the water bag presentation/breaking Picture provided by Cynthia Caillagh
-body follows -some ewes stand, don't worry if the lamb falls to the ground -the lamb usually struggles and breaks the bag -with the lamb on the ground the ewe will stand, turn and pull off the amniotic sac. this helps the ewe bond with the lamb and her licking encourages the lamb to move -the lamb struggles, shakes it's head trying to clear the fluid and takes it's first breath -occasionally the lamb is delivered with the water bag intact. Generally the struggling lamb and the licking of the ewe will break the bag so the lamb can breathe. If you are close by and concerned about the length of time this is taking just tear the bag open yourself leaving the lambs nose free. Move away letting the ewe finish her job Picture provided by Cynthia Caillagh
-within 5 minutes the lamb is usually working on getting to it's feet and looking for the udder. The first steps are wobbly. This is normal. If the lamb is in no danger of hypothermia, no need to interfere. -the lamb needs to find the udder to get colostrum, the first rich milk from the ewe. It provides a high energy boost. The lamb should drink within the first 30 minutes of delivery. If you are unsure if the lamb has nursed see the Problems link below. Picture provided by Cynthia Caillagh
Expulsion of the afterbirth is the final stage of the birth process. The ewe usually eats the afterbirth. If the afterbirth is not expelled see Problems
-the lamb and siblings will sleep much of the time in the first 24 hrs. -they will get up and nurse, jump about for a time then sleep again. -the lambs mouth and ears should feel warm -you should be able to see the lamb nurse and the lamb's belly should look full and round -a content, well fed lamb is quiet -if you disturb a sleeping lamb, it should get up, often will stretch and then look to nurse -a lamb that is constantly crying or becoming chilly or lethargic is usually hungry and cold. See Problems. Picture provided by Cynthia Caillagh