Late-pregnancy ewe care
Most lamb growth occurs in the final six weeks, so nutrition during this window strongly affects lamb birth weight and the ewe's milk supply. Provide energy- and protein-rich feed, keep clean water available and avoid sudden diet changes or stress. Crutching ewes before lambing keeps the udder area clean for newborn lambs.
Preparing for lambing
Set up a clean, dry, draught-free lambing area ahead of the due date and gather supplies such as iodine for navels, clean towels, lambing lubricant and colostrum. Watch for separation from the flock, restlessness and nesting as signs that lambing is close, and be ready to step in if a ewe strains for a long time without progress.