The middle of winter is a time for preparation for shepherds. We spend time carefully considering last year's highs and lows and then try to plan as best we can for the upcoming year. One of the most carefully stocked and planned items for us is the Lambing Kit. Making sure that it has an answer to most of the issues shepherds commonly deal with and even some rare ones is very reassuring. This kit has been my right hand when I've been out at night by myself. Below is a what we are running in our kit this year.
Wipes | Birthing Bag | Bag Balm | Banamine |
Hibiclens | 1 bag cord cups | Karo Syrup | Biomycin |
Gloves | 1 bag syringe/needle | Pepto Bismo | Vetricyn |
Personal Lubricant | 1 suture kit | Tube feeder | Probiotic Gel |
Calcium drench and gel | 2 cord kits - 1 clamp 2 scissors | Nipples and bottles | Wormers incl Copper bolus |
CMPK | 1 bulb | Multi-feeder | Selenium |
Nutridrench | Molasses | prolapse harness | Lamb paste |
iodine | Thermometer | Human drink | Electrolytes |
bulb syringe | Alcohol | flashlight | Colostrum |
scissors | vet wrap | lamb coats/collars | polysporin |
towels | cardboard tube | weigh bag & scale | Syringe 3ml/6ml |
50% dextrose | trash bags | dosing syringe | Needles 18G/22G |
There are some who are more interested in allowing their charges to birth with little to no interference. As you can probably tell from this list, that is not the ideology that this shepherd follows. I don't believe that mistakes I may have made in feeding ratios, pasture management or breeding decisions should be blamed on my flock. I have stepped in, so I will fight right along side my flock.
And then everyone wins....