A Stress Free Approach to Weaning Lambs with Homeopathy

Weaning lambs is a significant milestone for the lambs and their dams on any farm. I tend to remove the ram lambs from the ewe flock towards the end of July or August, however, this varies from year to year. For instance, if one of the boys starts becoming more interested in the ewes I will separate them sooner.

Weaning is a stressful event, even when I can see that the lambs are becoming independent. So I make conscious management decisions to reduce stress as much as possible, which means that the whole process needs to be well thought through. Specific stress points need to be considered and mitigated accordingly, particularly the break up of family and friendship groups and the establishment of new hierachies. Animal-centric farming is about trying to put yourself 'in their hooves' and doing what’s right, kind, and empathetic while still getting the job done.

Broadstone Rare Breeds Lambs: Wenselydales with a Devon & Cornwall Longwool

I always support both lambs and their dams with homeopathy. It is important to support the entire flock which makes the transition easier and helps to reduce problems associated with separation and loss. During this period, I closely monitor the health and behaviour of every animal to ensure they are adapting well, particularly focusing on preventing mastitis in the ewes.

Also, due to the stress of weaning, both dams and lambs are at greater risk of attracting blowflies during this period than at any other time. Loss, sadness, and grief is known to impact immunity and, in some animals can create a 'victim energy'. These will be the ones that get bullied, may become loners, and as a consequence can become magnets for blowflies.

Additionally, I keep a close eye on the social dynamics of the group. Young rams will start to create hierarchy within their flock. Behaviours such as head-butting and mounting is part of that process. Again, I observe for any injuries, bullying, or anything else that might indicate discontent individually or as a group. By taking a wholistic approach they quickly settle into their new groups.

Commonly Used Remedies for Stress at Weaning:

Separation and Loss:

The most often used remedies are Ignatia and Pulsatilla. Ignatia covers grief, separation anxiety and emotional shock and should be given to the whole flock. Pulsatilla is 'the infant's remedy' and helps those weaned to cope better and become independent.

Pecking Order and Bullying:

• For the bullies: Nux Vomica and Lycopodium are both useful. Nux Vomica tend to be competitive animals. Lycopodium tend to bully weaker animals but can be bullied by those stronger. (See below).

• For the bullied: Staphisagria is 'the doormat remedy' - gets picked on by others - and is open to invasion by parasites, flies, lice. Lycopodium lacks confidence although they will often bully weaker animals.

Injury and Bruising:

Arnica is always the first remedy to consider where there is any injury or bruising. Hypericum and Calendula are an excellent combination for wounds and 'Hyper-Cal' spray or ointment is an excellent topical salve.

About the Author:

Jane Dobson of Broadstone Rare Breeds farms longwool sheep in Pembrokeshire, rearing PFLA, Organic and Demeter certified meat, and fleece which she sells via Etsy . She is a WHAg Livestock Health Advisor.
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Further Information:

Visit the WHAg Learning Centre. for webinars on birthing, weaning and raising youngstock.
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