Preparation:  Planning for lambing - pre-breeding health checks, tupping, scanning.  Pre-lambing vaccinations.

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Feeding the Pregnant Ewe:  body condition scoring, planning rations and supplements.  Metabolic problems related to nutrition - twin lamb disease and hypocalcaemia.

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Lambing Shed:  Setting up, pens, essential equipment.  Hygiene in the lambing shed.  Lambing indoors vs outdoors.

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Normal Lambing:  We will look at how a normal lambing proceeds, timings, and when you might need to intervene.  We obviously cannot guarantee a 'live' lambing during the course, so we have plenty of good videos available to demonstrate this process.

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Assisted Lambing:  When to intervene.  Recognising and dealing with abnormal presentations.   When to call the vet!   This is a practical session, using our realistic simulator, where you will gain the confidence to assist your own ewes during the lambing process.

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Care of Newborns: Ensuring vital colostrum intake.  Tube feeding.  Routine tasks - navel dipping, castration & tail docking (we will look at the ethics of these procedures, and some improved welfare options)  Managing and avoidoing common problems such as hypothermia, watery mouth, joint ill.

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Orphan Lambs:  Adopting & 'twinning on'.  Bottle feeding and rearing.

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The aim of this course is to send you away with the knowledge to prepare your own flock for a healthy, problem free lambing time - and to be able to confidently deal with any issues that do arise

What else is Included?

A homecooked lunch, including some of the delicious produce straight from our smallholding.   There will also be plenty of tea/coffee and

homebaking.

All courses include a comprehensive book, covering all of the information taught during the day.

Courses are held in small groups (max 10 people on this course), and are relaxed, friendly events. Questions and discussion are encouraged!

Many people stay in touch following the course, and we are very happy to answer any further questions you might have after the day.

**Please note that the lambing courses in Feb/March are NOT suitable for pregnant women to attend.  This course takes place amongst our flock at lambing time, and pregnant women are advised not to have any contact with pregnant ewes or newborn lambs.  This course also runs in October, when our ewes are not lambing, and is safe for all to attend**