This seems to be a critical time for many shepherds. Some persons
become greatly provoked trying to hold the new-born lambs and their
mothers apart from the dropping ewes, as the latter leave the bed ground
in the morning. Shepherds who rush among the ewes and lambs, in order to
move the dropping ewes off the bed ground in the morning, will make
themselves much work, but will never bring out a good per cent of lambs,
as ewes having dropped their lambs during the night are always somewhat
uneasy and excited when the herd leaves in the morning. It is indeed the
height of folly to rush among them, causing them to run away from their
new-born lambs in their excitement. Allow the dropping ewes to leave at
their will; do not drive them off; all ewes that have not dropped will
follow the herd if you will only give them time. Should a few ewes take
their lambs and try to follow the herd, let them go a few hundred yards
before you try to cut them back. Should there be one or two granny ewes
trying to steal lambs, leave them, rather than rush among the others.
Wait a few hours until the lambs become dried and the ewes overcome
their excitement, before working the bed ground.
Allow all ewes that have dead lambs in them, or those unable to drop
their lambs, to follow the dropping ewes off the bed ground; then hold
up the herd, catch the ewes and pull the lambs from them. At this time,
also, catch all ewes that may have left their lambs on the bed ground
and turn them back, so they may pick them up. Look over the bed ground
during the day for big-teat ewes, weak and "bummed" lambs. Should you
have any "bum" lambs, mother them on ewes that have had dead lambs. It
is probable that the ewes you pulled the dead lambs from would like to
mother the "bums."
Keep ALL dogs away while working bed grounds.