Ewes rolling on their back can be a major issue for farmers at this time of year. In-lamb ewes are particularly susceptible, but it can also be an issue for freshly lambed ewes in good condition.

Although the weather is set to turn from Tuesday, the recent good spell has seen a lot of in-lamb ewes in the fields.

Unfortunately, this has resulted in more ewes rolling on to their backs.

Usually, the ewe accidently rolls on to her side or back while scratching.

With a large fleece of wool and gas buildup from being in an unnatural position, the ewe is left incapacitated on her back before long. The problem becomes more acute the heavier in-lamb ewes are.

To compound matters, birds of prey can take advantage of a ewe in this position very quickly by picking the animal’s eyes, while some unfortunately aim for the intestines.

Here, we offer a few practical tips to avoid this happening. Also, we outline what to do if you find a ewe on her back.

Step up flock checks

This might seem very simple, but it is probably the most effective way of preventing the death of a ewe from rolling. If you are walking through the flock once a day, it is definitely worth increasing checks to twice a day or even three times in the day if the ewes are in especially good condition.

Scratching posts

Put a tractor, car trailer, an old transport box or roller into the field. This will provide the ewe with an opportunity to scratch herself without having to resort to rolling on to her back. By no means is this a foolproof way of preventing a ewe rolling on to her back, but it certainly helps.

Put them standing

So you’ve spotted a ewe on her back. What do you do? This depends on how long she has been on her back, but, first things first, you need to get her standing. The longer you leave a ewe on her back, the more likely it is that she will lose power in her legs.

If she has been on her back a short while, put her standing and prop her until the power comes back. If she has been on her back for a long period, then bring her into the shed and prop her against a wall again until the power comes back to her.

Increase vigilance

The heavier in-lamb the ewe is, the greater the risk to her. So, the closer she gets to lambing is when you need to be extra vigilant with your checks.

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