Lambing Supplies
Don't panic !
There are a few things you'll need but generally speaking you probably
won't need most any of it.
Blackbelly are awesome sheep, needing very little care; that includes the birthing process.
If you're looking through this section then you're either worried about a lamb coming due or you're just curious. I'm guessing you're somewhat like a new mother and probably a bit worried about what might be expected of you. After your first lamb that will pass but you might want to start collecting these items slowely for a more comprehensive birthing kit (Just in case). Recommended links are at the bottom of the page
The Short list (Bare bones):
Soap or alcohol, ispropyl - (For sterilizing your hands, if needed)
Several pair or a box of Latex or Vinyl gloves - (For assisting the ewe, if needed)
Lubricant such as KY jelly, Vaseline - (If manual assistance is needed in birthing)
Iodine, non-sting and cup - (Used to disinfecting umbilical cord/navel)
Baby bottle and nipples - (Used to feed in the even of a bummer lamb) Normal bottles with the biggest nipples you can find (Like used for cerial formulas OR specific for lambs.
Small amount of Colostrum starter - (If ewe is unable to feed or rejects lamb) This should be specific for lambs, not cattle. Don't open it, just have it on hand.
Short List (Optional - suggested):
Drenching syringe and stomach tube - (Used for deworming & feeding problem lambs)
Rumen Bacteria - This is a vegetable oil stabilized bacteria culture given to newborn lambs a head start in developing their rumen in order to break down and digest nutrients. If you want to read more about rumen bacteria then this article link about Rumen Microbiology is exceptional reading.
Nutrient Drench - This is a typically a small bottle of vitamin and mineral supplement suspended in molasses. These help give the new lamb/s energy and to stimulate appitetite.
The LONG List:
Soap or alcohol, ispropyl - (For sterilizing your hands, if needed)
Several pair or a box of Latex or Vinyl gloves - (For assisting the ewe, if needed)
Lubricant such as KY jelly, Vaseline - (If manual assistance is needed in birthing)
Nylon or cotton rope - (Used to pull lambs, if need be)
Rectal thermometer - (To checking suspect sheep)
Penicillin Antibiotic - (In the event of a fever or infection)
Tetenus Antitoxin - (In the event of significant scuts or scrapes)
Needles & syringes, 3 cc & 10 cc - (Drug administration)
Iodine, non-sting and cup - (Used to disinfecting umbilical cord/navel)
Thick sewing string - (spool, used for unusually long umbilical cords)
Scissor or scalpel - (To cust string of older umbilical cords or trim lengthy chords)
Baby bottle and nipples - (Used to feed in the even of a bummer lamb)
Drenching syringe and stomach tube - (Used for deworming & feeding problem lambs)
Small amount of Colostrum starter - (If ewe is unable to feed or rejects lamb)
Powdered sheep milk - (many types available that may be universal)
The Long List (Optional):
Heat lamp/s - (Maintaining warmth on cold days or used to help very small lambs recover)
Rope halters for ewe and lamb - (Used to tie down lambs to one spot while under lamps)
Towels, terry cloth - (something thick and warm)
Rumen Bacteria - This is a
vegetable oil stabilized bacteria culture given to newborn lambs a head start in developing their rumen in order to break down and digest nutrients. If you want to read more about rumen bacteria then this article link about
Rumen Microbiology is exceptional reading.
Nutrient Drench - This is a typically a small bottle of
vitamin and mineral supplement suspended in molasses. These help give the new lamb/s energy and to stimulate appitetite.
Pet Carrier & Wood Chip Bedding - In the event you have a bummer lamb, you may want to keep it around with your to make your life a little easier, especially if you live away from the flock. It's a good idea to have a little place to let them sleep and lay between feedings if they're not roaming around on their own.
Recommended Resources: