Lambing in Scotland

Our lambing has now started.

I got back from Mull late yesterday afternoon and in the early evening went out to look at a ewe who had started lambing a little while earlier to check there weren't any probs. Thankfully she had a healthy lamb in tow and so I kept my distance and then went to check on the ponies.

Today we have unfortunately had four ewes go down with staggers and even though all four were given a jag, two have died We have also had the usual early run of the fine and healthy and then also the not so fine and dead lambs.

So, we are up and running. Should be a very busy six weeks or so - and would be wonderful if we could hold on to this fantastic weather!

Will get some pics when I go out on the afternoon run around the ewes shortly.

Sad news. I know a farmer that uses mineral licks and puts them sporadically all across his land to try to prevent it, of course who "licks" and who doesnt cannot be controlled.

Ive been doing lambing work experience now for the last 5 weeks. Have absolutely loved it. I have so much respect for you guys! The amount of work you's put in is relentless.

What breed of sheep do you have?

Oops sorry thought i was signed in as myself. Wrote the above post from OC

Oh no sorry to hear about the 2 ewes that have died fingers crossed for the others. Hope the rest of the laming goes smoothly.

We also give our ewes mineral licks, but unfortunately these ewes spend all year round on high heather moorland and are simply not used to being in-bye and eating grass. And one of the alpaca (who has been failing for a while) decided to give up the ghost and died yesterday too At least most of the lambs are coming slowly and with relative ease at the moment. Long may it continue. Of course, wherever you have livestock, you also have dead stock

Glad you have enjoyed your experience. It is one of the busiest times of year, but most shepherds seem to love it too

We have 2500 Scottish Blackface.

Thanks MM - par for the course I'm afraid, but sad nonetheless.

I'm so sorry to hear this, and I hope that the rest of the lambing goes as well as possible for you.

Thanks Chaz. It is always a time of ups and downs, but hopefully more ups