Oddbean new post about login | logout Question for anyone who has raised sheep. We just had twin lambs two days ago and the ewe is now acting really lethargic and just wants to lay down. She seemed fine this morning but doesn’t really want to move much now. However she is getting up for the lambs to feed and seems fine to do that. I’m hoping maybe just tired and lacking some nutrients but fear infection. Any thoughts?? I appreciate it! #grownostr #farmstr #sheep #lamb
I'm no vet but yes, she just carried a few lambs inside her for a few months, she might be a bit tired. If she's tending to them, cool. Just give her a f(ewe) day, see what I did there😁. Then if she's not back to herself then call a a professional. Not Veterinarian Advice* 🫂.
Appreciate it! Hoping that’s all she needs too!
Did you make sure the placenta in it’s entirety was passed?
I found pieces. Tried to look for it but couldn’t find. Also a large pasture with a bunch of woods so not sure where she actually had them.
Ugh so you can’t be sure she didn’t retain some placenta. I’d keep a close eye on her and call the vet if she seems to be worsening at all. In the meantime would you like me to reach out to some farming friends for more specific advice? Unfortunately I know people who’ve raised goats and cows and not sheep. I’d try a sheep specific message board. Have any neighbors raising sheep you could ask?
Do you have her separate from the flock and under watch at least?
Yes she’s under close watch. Been out with her every few hours.
Three most likely things are retained placenta, ketosis, hypocalcemia. Start by taking it's temperature to determine if it has a fever. Normal is 101.5-103.5 fahrenheit. If fever, it could be an infection from retained placenta if the placenta didn't come out. Hopefully this video is helpful in determining if it's ketosis or hypocalcemia: https://youtu.be/vjaZolhJZTA?si=YCOjVobv1i0tJ9wd
Unfortunate update: she did not make it through the night. Felt somewhat optimistic last night that she was moving a bit but contacted a livestock vet anyway. Unfortunately she took a turn and was gone before we even got a response. Tough loss for sure and I’m thinking there’s a good chance it was a retained placenta as you mentioned. Costly lesson learned but we’ll be better prepared for our next lambing which could literally happen any day. On a more positive note, the lambs are doing well. We’re quickly shifting to bottle feeding and they seem to be adjusting to it fine. I really appreciate all the help and quick responses from this community! Really amazing to see what can happen when you get good people on a free platform. Thank you everyone!! #grownostr