Weak lambs may also need a heat source so that the milk they drink is used to make them stronger and not used to keep them warm. Newborn lambs have very little fat covering and can use up those fat stores very quickly during very cold weather. The lamb hotel is a barrel that has a heat lamp hanging from the top and a door cut into the side for the lambs to enter. The hotel supports the heat lamp so that the ewe can t knock it down and also radiates the heat to keep the lamb warmer. When hanging a heat lamp by itself, remember to hang it so that if it gets knocked down, the lamp will come unplugged.
Heat lamps are capable of causing a barn fire if left unattended.
Types of infections that you may find in ewes include those from a retained placenta or a vaginal tear as the lambs were born. You may also need to treat lambs or ewes for pneumonia. Ewes that need assistance during lambing may need some type of lubricant to make it easier to pull the lamb. Typical lubricants include liquid soaps or powdered lubricants that must be mixed with water. Also remove any jewelry.