Leave newborn outside or bring her and mom in? *semi urgent*

BlueMoonFarms

True BYH Addict
Joined
Jun 18, 2012
Messages
959
Reaction score
222
Points
243
Location
Massachusetts
A quick response would be very much appreciated as I need to come to a conclusion like...now...
I am being told different things so I just need some advice.
One person says that Shetland lambs should be fine outside right now with the temps going down to about 35 degrees tonight and then 39-40 the next few nights.
While another is telling me the little one will catch phenomena and die.

Both people are very knowledgeable but have different opinions.
So, what do you think? Should I bring mom and the newborn inside for the next three days or let them stay outside?
I have three shelters all stuffed with straw outside, but mom seems to keep leading the little one away from the other sheep. That is my biggest concern.
IMG_3468.JPG
IMG_3476.JPG

Literally just found her in the pen this morning, which was cold to. Isn't she adorable? :D
 

norseofcourse

Herd Master
Joined
Mar 26, 2013
Messages
2,653
Reaction score
2,162
Points
313
Location
NE Ohio
Do you have a way to pen them in a shelter by themselves? I would think she'd be fine, she looks great. I've only had sheep a year though, so hopefully someone else with more experience can chime in, too.
 

Goat Whisperer

Herd Master
Joined
Dec 19, 2013
Messages
4,832
Reaction score
6,567
Points
463
Location
North Carolina
*I do not own sheep but...*

Do you have a coat you could put on the baby? Like a small dog sweater. If you have an old sweatshirt that could work too. Look at these link Link1 link2

You could bring them in. I would bring her in if you are worried. The lamb may be fine, BUT it it dies, then what? You just lost the lamb. See what I'm saying?

Congrats! She is adorable!
 

bonbean01

Herd Master
Joined
Jul 2, 2010
Messages
5,192
Reaction score
839
Points
363
Location
Northeast Mississippi
Firstly, congrats on that very cute lambie!!!! And I am a worry wart by nature, so I too would have put her up with baby...not just the lower temps at night, but for them to have time alone and get that nursing and bonding solid....and I do like Goat Whisperer's advice of a little coat. :)
 

BlueMoonFarms

True BYH Addict
Joined
Jun 18, 2012
Messages
959
Reaction score
222
Points
243
Location
Massachusetts
And boom goes my inbox!
Thank you everyone for the quick reply.
1. I do have a sweater to put on the little one and I will go and do that just to be safe with the colder temps.
2. I can pull out an x-pen and make sure that the little one stays in the shelter.

I think I will actually pen her in the dog house each night until its warmer. Its very warm in there, wind free and safe from the other sheep. Not to mention spacious.
My vet swears that the lamb will be fine since she had hers out since they were born in February.
Both of my birthing pens are full or I would wisk her inside anyway >_>...
Sweater is on! Pen is up and I should really learn to finish typing before doing things...
 

BrownSheep

Lost in the flock
Joined
May 23, 2011
Messages
2,011
Reaction score
450
Points
203
My opinion is she will be fine.
Lambs do a decent job keeping up their own body temps after 2 days of age. Before that momma's do it fine.

We have newborn lambs who will sleep in 3ft. of snow with their moms. Keep in mind our babies have a lot less wool than yours. A breed difference.

I would, personally, take off the sweater.
 

purplequeenvt

Herd Master
Joined
Aug 1, 2011
Messages
2,500
Reaction score
4,653
Points
373
Location
Rineyville, KY
She will be fine! My Shetland lambs were all born when it was way below 35 degrees night time temp. In fact, I don't think it even was getting up to 35 degrees during the day. They were perfectly fine. No jackets, no heat lamp.

Shetlands are tough little buggers.
 

Latest posts

Top