In Labour?

[Tiny Tails Rabbitry 101]

This is a classic case of “a watched pot never boils”. Ewes stretch and fart and act strangely all the time. After 20+ years with sheep, I can usually look at someone in my flock and tell that they are going to lamb within the next 24hrs. I can’t do it as well on my sister’s flock next door.

The contractions were probably the rumen moving around. “Lunch on the left, rugrats on the right”.

Look out for pawing before laying down. Not just a little floofing, but like she’s trying to dig to China. Laying down and immediately getting back up. When she goes to push, she will kick both back legs out to the side.

Ultimately, ewes are liars and I never truly believe someone is in labor until I see a water bag or 2 toes and a nose.

My brother just told me “a watched pot never boils”! 😆 I responded with “but if you don’t, it might boil over!” I think that might be my problem. I am too concerned I am going to miss it, so I watch them too much! I have had them for over a year and have never seen them act like this. It might just be that I never noticed it, but they have started doing giant yawns and then immediately turning it into teeth grinding! 😖

The older one (Rose) spends hours at a time making a giant nest out of hay and straw. She would probably be half way to China right now if the shed floor was not there!🤣Thanks for your advice!

I was so happy when I thought they were in labor because it was the weekend! They are jerks but I love them all the more. Some animals are just wicked easy to get started with. My bunnies and chickens were almost too easy so I said “what the heck! I’m getting sheep!”

 

[Tiny Tails Rabbitry 101]

There are still no babies. I have no idea why. This is day 147.

 

[SageHill]

There are still no babies. I have no idea why. This is day 147.

Dang. I haven’t got to counting days yet - glad so far I don’t. 🤞 for soon.

 

[purplequeenvt]

147 days is the average gestation. Do you have an actual bred date on her?

 

[Tiny Tails Rabbitry 101]

147 days is the average gestation. Do you have an actual bred date on her?

Yes I do. She only went into heat once with him. She was bred on 9/30/23.

 

[purplequeenvt]

Yes I do. She only went into heat once with him. She was bred on 9/30/23.

That makes her “due date” 2/23.

 

[Tiny Tails Rabbitry 101]

Here are some photos of Rose. I will add that the pictures make her look a bit smaller.

 

[Tiny Tails Rabbitry 101]

Here are some pictures of Wendy. Her udder got a lot bigger just 2 days ago. (She is a first time mom)

 

[Tiny Tails Rabbitry 101]

That makes her “due date” 2/23.

phew! Thank you! I was starting to get a little worried. Almost everywhere it says 147 days.

 

[Tiny Tails Rabbitry 101]

I want to thank you for everything. All of you have helped me so much! I feel so much better and a little more confident that everything will be ok! As soon as the lambs are dry and clean, I will share some pictures! Any advice is welcome!