Someone should be available to check on the ewes from three to five times a day. Some sheep producers check ewes in the middle of the night, especially in January and February when the weather is extremely cold. Ewes that are due to lamb should be checked in the early morning, noon, evening and at bedtime. Feeding ewes hay at bedtime will allow the producer to spot those in labor. Often they won't eat.
Healthy sheep eat regularly.
Sheep that refuse to eat are in labor, sick or off feed. All other times of the year, sheep can be observed twice a day during feeding or grazing, and require little extra care. Family members working off the farm may find caring for sheep at lambing time difficult unless they can check on them during the noon hour. Youth with ewe and lamb projects will need assistance from a family member at lambing time. Other times of the year, the sheep can be managed and fed with a minimum of assistance from the family.