Farm Animal Welfare

Farm Sheep: Lambing Pen Design and Welfare

Well-designed lambing pens are critical for ewe-lamb bonding, reducing mismothering, and providing a safe environment for vulnerable neonates.

Key Facts

Individual lambing pens of 1.5 x 1.5 metres are recommended for ewes with lambs
Pen partitions that allow nose-to-nose contact between ewes reduce stress while maintaining separation
Deep straw bedding maintains warmth and hygiene for newborn lambs
Ewes and lambs should be grouped into small family groups within 24-48 hours
Poorly designed pens with excessive foot-traffic and noise increase stress and mismothering

Welfare Considerations

The quality of the lambing pen environment directly influences ewe-lamb bonding, which is the foundation of lamb survival and welfare. Mismothering is one of the major causes of lamb mortality and is highly influenced by pen design, stocking, and disturbance. Quiet, well-bedded individual pens with adequate space allow ewes to focus on their lambs without competition or interference.

What You Can Do

Design lambing facilities with adequate individual pen numbers for your flock size
Maintain deep, clean straw bedding throughout the lambing period
Minimise disturbance in the lambing area during the critical first hours after birth
Train staff to recognise and support ewes and lambs having difficulty bonding
Record mismothering rates as a welfare indicator for your lambing system