GOOD PLANNING will mean that lamb survival rates can be optimised so it is important to have all the equipment ready that might be required. 

A good lambing kit should contain:

  • Lambing snare or lambing ropes
  • Prolapse harnesses
  • Strong iodine solution
  • Sterile needles and syringes
  • Thermometer
  • Stomach tubes and syringes
  • Entropion clips to uncurl rolled up eyelids
  • 40% glucose (dextrose) solution for injection
  • Calcium borogluconate solution 
  • Twin lamb oral supplement for ewes
  • Colostrum supply (ideally ewe colostrum, artificial ewe colostrum substitute, or pooled colostrum from clostridial-vaccinated cows) 
  • Electrolyte sachets
  • Sterilising solution for feeding bottles and stomach tubes
  • Medicines as directed by the vet: anti-inflammatory drugs (reduce inflammation and pain) and antibiotics
  • Disinfectant for floors and surfaces
  • Reliable and readily available source of hot water
  • Warming box
  • Notebook to record lamb and ewe losses, medication given and notes about ewes
  • Phone number of the vet
  • There should also be hospital facilities on the farm where sick lambs or ewes can be isolated and treated