In this blog, we share a comprehensive guide to the essentials that will contribute to a successful lambing season. From the initial signs of labour to the nurturing of newborns, each stage of lambing holds its own set of considerations which means shepherds need to be well-prepared to manage the intricacies.
You'll also find everything you need in our FREE lambing checklist here.
1. Interlocking Sheep Hurdles
Lambing pens play a crucial role in providing a safe space for ewes to be penned with their newborn. Our interlocking sheep hurdles enable a controlled environment to be created which not only minimises stress for the ewe and lamb, but also supports a successful bonding process.
2. Lamb Milk Replacer
When it comes to improving your lambs’ health and performance, we recommend using Shine Ewe-reka which is made with whey products derived from ewe milk. One particular benefit of the lamb milk is that it contains antibodies to specific sheep diseases (unlike cows' milk), which means it can help keep orphan lambs healthy.
3. Lamlac Milk Powder
Lamlac Lamb Milk Powder has been designed to be easily mixed together even with cold water. This contains concentrated milk protein which aims to help boost the newborn lamb’s natural defences, as well as encourage the lamb to develop at a quicker pace.
4. Stalosan® F
When rearing newborns, good hygiene measures are essential for giving your lambs the best start to life. With the help of Stalosan® F, you can help reduce disease level and improve living conditions for young livestock.
5. Drysan Bedding Hygiene Powder
To keep areas disinfected, DRYSAN is a proven and tested solution that can be used in high traffic areas around feeders, drinkers, pop holes and on ramps. This lambing essential can be mixed with shavings, straw, sawdust and other bedding materials.
6. Shearwell Heatwave Milk Warmer
The Heatwave Milk Warmer effectively converts a cold supply of milk in to a warm feed. This system is beneficial for feeding upto 80 lambs and is suitable for milk powder or whole milk feeding.
7. Lamb Feeder Bucket
When you’re feeding lambs, our slot over lamb feeder bucket can be fitted over a rail or hurdle for your little ones to drink. This ever-popular option has a 12 litre capacity and features six teats.
8. Iodine Solution
Lambs’ umbilical area is particularly susceptible to bacterial contamination in the immediate post-birth period, and the application of iodine solution will help to substantially mitigate this risk.
9. Elastrator Rings
Add our tubs of 2,000 Elastrator Rings to your lambing kit for essential flock management processes. These small, durable rings, offer a humane and efficient method for both castration and tail docking.
10. Sheep Feed Troughs
Our galvanised troughs offer a controlled and organised feeding environment, allowing for the efficient delivery of nutrition to each individual sheep.
A well-prepared lambing kit reflects farmers and smallholders' commitment to responsible and attentive livestock care. It provides the tools needed to manage the unique needs of both ewes and lambs, ensuring you are ready to navigate any situation with confidence and expertise.
Remember to download your FREE lambing checklist here.
Talk to our friendly team at our Longborough and Thame stores or via 01451 830 400 (Longborough) & 01844 463 400 (Thame) to discover the best solutions for your needs. Enjoy FREE delivery within 50 miles of our stores.