Severe summer temperatures can be detrimental for ewes and lambs during September and October.  Here are some easy tips to make things a bit more bearable for you and your Dorsets during fall lambing ~

Shade & Shelter ~ One of the most essential things you can do for your sheep is to move them to shade or enclosures out of direct sunlight during lambing.  Being “Johnny on the spot” is crucial to new born lambs surviving the heat.  Record your breeding dates and move ewes just prior to lambing whenever possible.
Water & Electrolytes ~ Keeping fresh water around for your sheep is something we all do, but during the heat and in the lambing pens add electrolytes to all drinking water.  If using water buckets be sure and keep water levels high.  It’s not uncommon for very young lambs to go after the water in very hot temperatures.  Let them drink to their hearts content!  Sometimes hot milk from the ewe is not what the lambs crave and letting them add liquid to their systems is never a bad thing.  These newborn lambs can lose a tremendous amount of fluid and body weight in 90 degree and above temperatures.  Although you want your lambs to nurse, never turn them away from the water bucket in high heat. (Lambs should go back and nurse from the ewe when temps drop. Be sure they do this and are only using the water bucket as supplement.)  Lambs that do not drink water and are not nursing should be drenched with an electrolyte solution.
Immersion in Cool Water ~ in extreme cases you may see a lamb in distress panting heavily where nose, lips and tongue are bright pink.  These cases may require some emergency measures to get your lamb cooled down and breathing normally.  If you have the luxury of owning a pool…an excuse for you to jump in yourself; take your lamb and sit on the step so that the lambs’ legs are immersed up to the belly.  (I have sat the lamb on my lap and done this with great results.)  Within a few minutes your lamb will return to normal and his body temperature will decline as well. This is a similar technique to treating hypothermia but using cool water instead of warm.  A small wading pool or even a large tub filled with water can also do the trick.
Watch for Signs of Heat Stress ~ The ewe herself can also stress in high temperatures.  Keep a close eye on new born lambs and their mothers.  Ewes that are lying around more than usual or lambs not rising to nurse should be heavily scrutinized.  Get them on their feet often and check bellies on newborn lambs. Give electrolyte solution to new moms as well as lambs…You will be glad you did!!