Lambing season is one of the most exciting (and busiest!) times of the year on a smallholding. Whether you’re experienced or this is your first time, there’s nothing quite like the magic of watching new lambs take their first wobbly steps. But, as wonderful as it is, it also takes a lot of preparation to make sure everything goes smoothly for both the ewes and their newborns.
Here’s a simple, down-to-earth guide to getting ready for lambing season, perfect for families running a smallholding together.
1. Get Your Lambing Kit Ready
When lambing starts, things can move quickly, so it’s best to have everything you need on hand. Your lambing kit should include:
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Clean towels – For drying off lambs if needed.
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Gloves & Lubricant – In case a ewe needs assistance.
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Navel spray Iodine – To disinfect the lamb’s umbilical cord.
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Colostrum replacement – Just in case a lamb struggles to feed from mum.
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Feeding bottle & syringe – For feeding weak lambs.
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Lambing ropes or snare – If you need to help deliver a tricky birth.
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Shepherd’s crook – Useful for gently guiding ewes.
Keeping everything in a big box or a bucket means you can grab it quickly when needed.
2. Create a Cozy Lambing Space
Your ewes need a safe, dry, and draft-free place to give birth. If you’re lambing outdoors, make sure there’s good shelter from bad weather. If indoors, clean out the lambing pens well before lambing starts and bed them down with plenty of fresh straw. It’s also a good idea to have a few smaller pens ready for any ewes that need extra care or bonding time with their lambs.
3. Keep an Eye on Your Ewes
As lambing season gets closer, you’ll start to notice changes in your ewes. They might:
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Look bigger and their udders will start filling up.
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Separate themselves from the rest of the flock.
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Become restless and paw at the ground.
- "Star-gazing".
When labour starts, it usually goes smoothly, but keep a close watch just in case any ewes need help. Most lambs arrive front feet first, followed by their nose – if things don’t look right, you might need to step in (or call for help from a vet or experienced farmer).
4. Helping Out If Needed
Most of the time, ewes can manage on their own, but sometimes they need a helping hand. If a ewe is in labour for more than an hour without progress, it might be time to step in. Make sure your hands are clean and well-lubricated, and gently check the position of the lamb. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to call a vet.
5. First Moments for the Lamb
Once the lamb is born, mum will usually start licking it dry and encouraging it to stand. Make sure the lamb gets its first drink of colostrum (the first milk full of antibodies) within the first couple of hours – this is vital for their health. If they struggle, you may need to help guide them to mum or give them colostrum from a bottle.
6. Keep an Eye on Mum and Baby
After birth, check that the lamb is feeding well and has a full belly. Also, keep an eye on the ewe to make sure she passes the placenta within a few hours. If anything seems off – such as a lamb looking weak or a ewe acting unwell – step in and get advice.
7. Enjoy the Magic of New Life
Lambing can be hard work, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. If you have kids, they’ll love watching the lambs play and helping out (with supervision, of course!). It’s a wonderful experience that brings the whole family together and reminds us why smallholding life is so special.
Final Tips for a Smooth Lambing Season
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Be prepared for long nights – Lambs don’t arrive on a schedule, so be ready for some late-night checks.
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Have emergency numbers ready – A trusted vet or experienced farmer can be a lifesaver in tricky situations.
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Stock up on supplies – Once lambing starts, you won’t want to be rushing to the feed store!
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Celebrate the wins – Every successful birth is a reason to smile!
Lambing season is a real rollercoaster, but with the right prep, you’ll be giving your new lambs the best possible start in life!