Visual Lambing Guide
Developed as a complement to lambing schools, the Visual Lambing Guide is a practical, in-the-barn resource designed to support sheep producers when delivery complications arise. These step-by-step videos serves as an on-hand helper to remove the stress of difficult situations by answering:
- What is happening? Easily recognize normal vs. abnormal presentations (dystocia).
- How do I work through it? Learn safe restraint, sanitation, manual manipulation techniques, and post-delivery care.
Preparation
Dr. Kelly Froehlich and Carolyn Ihde share essential steps for getting ready to assist a ewe during lambing difficulties (dystocia). Learn how to recognize when intervention is needed, safely restrain the ewe, and prepare for a clean, effective procedure. You’ll discover:
- When and why to intervene during lambing
- Proper restraint methods for safety
- Hygiene and biosecurity tips
- Gloves, lubrication, and gentle techniques for internal assessment
Normal Presentation
Dr. Kelly Froehlich and Carolyn Ihde explain what a normal lambing presentation looks like and how to confirm it during delivery. You’ll learn:
- What a correct lamb position should be (two front legs and a nose)
- How to identify forward vs. backward presentations by hoof orientation
- Tips for assessing dilation and feeling for lamb parts
- How to handle a large lamb that becomes shoulder-locked
- Post-delivery care: clearing airways, iodine for the navel, and ensuring ewe-lamb bonding
Head and One Leg Presented
Dr. Kelly Froehlich and Carolyn Ihde demonstrate how to correct a leg-back dystocia, where a lamb presents with its head and only one front leg. You’ll learn:
- How to assess the ewe and identify the missing leg
- Techniques for safely repositioning the lamb without causing injury
- Why patience and gentle movements are critical during correction
- Tips for delivering the lamb slowly to support breathing and lung function
- Post-delivery care: clearing airways, rubbing for stimulation, and ewe-lamb bonding
Front Legs Presented (head turned under chest)
In this episode of The Visual Lambing Guide, Dr. Kelly Froehlich and Carolyn Ihde demonstrate how to correct a lambing complication where the head is tucked under the front legs. You’ll learn:
- How to identify a head-tucked-under presentation
- Steps to bring the head forward into proper alignment
- Why a snare can help prevent the head from slipping back
- Gentle techniques for safe correction and delivery
Back Legs Presented
Dr. Kelly Froehlich and Carolyn Ihde demonstrate how to manage a lambing complication where the lamb is presented backwards. You’ll learn:
- How to confirm a backwards presentation
- Why quick action is critical once the umbilical cord snaps
- Safe pulling techniques to reduce risk of aspiration
- Post-delivery care for lamb health and ewe bonding
Breech – Tail Presented (legs tucked under the body)
Dr. Kelly Froehlich and Carolyn Ihde show you how to manage a lambing complication where the lamb’s tail is presented first and its legs are tucked underneath. Learn how to safely reposition the legs, assist delivery, and provide essential post-birth care. You’ll discover:
- How to identify a breech presentation
- Steps to manually manipulate the cervix and reposition legs
- Gentle techniques for safe correction and delivery
- Post-delivery care for lamb health and ewe bonding
Two Lambs Presented (one backwards and one normal)
Dr. Kelly Froehlich and Carolyn Ihde show you how to manage a lambing complication where two lambs are trying to be born simultaneously. Learn how to identify this situation, assist delivery safely, and provide essential post-birth care. You’ll discover:
- How to confirm multiple lambs during an exam
- Which lamb to deliver first and why
- Safe pulling techniques for a backwards lamb
- Post-delivery care for lamb health and ewe recovery
Using a Snare
Dr. Kelly Froehlich and Carolyn Ihde show you how to use a lamb snare to assist with difficult lambing cases. Learn when and how to apply a snare safely to reposition the head or provide extra leverage on the legs. You’ll discover:
- When a lamb snare is needed
- How to position the snare around the head and legs
- Tips for safe, effective use during delivery
- Why proper placement and cleanliness are critical
Question and Answer
Dr. Kelly Froehlich and Carolyn Ihde explain when to seek veterinary help during lambing and how to care for ewes and lambs after birth. Learn the 30-minute rule for intervention, colostrum guidelines, and best practices for ewe recovery. You’ll discover:
- When to call a vet during lambing
- Why the 30-minute rule matters
- Colostrum timing and quality checks
- Placenta management and sanitation tips
The Visual Lambing Guide series, created in collaboration with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension, Young Entrepreneurs Education (YEE) which is a part of American Sheep Industry Association (ASI).
Educational resources were supported in part by the National Sheep Improvement Center.