Lambing Kit Checklist: What You Need Ready Before Lambing Starts

Why a lambing kit matters

When lambing starts, it's rarely the big items that catch you out - it's the small things you can't find at 2am.

A simple, organised kit helps you:

• Work faster and more calmly

• Keep things cleaner and safer

• Avoid repeated trips back to the house or shed

This is a practical checklist - not veterinary advice. If you're worried about a ewe or lamb, contact your vet.

Where to keep your lambing kit

Choose a place that's:

• Dry

• Easy to grab in the dark

• Close to your lambing area

A lidded box or tub works well. If you keep other feed and supplies together, it's worth setting up a dedicated area using sturdy farmyard feeding equipment (bins, tubs, storage) so everything stays clean and easy to find.

Lambing kit essentials (the must-haves)

Cleanliness and hygiene

• Disposable gloves

• Lubricant (use as directed)

• Clean towels

• Bucket (easy to clean)

• Antibacterial hand wash / sanitiser

Basic tools

• Scissors

• Torch/headtorch + spare batteries

• Notebook/pen (times, notes, ewe ID)

• Thermometer

Warming and comfort

• Heat source for you (hot drink flask) and a plan for cold nights

• Clean, dry bedding in the lambing pen

If you're refreshing bedding supplies, browse farmyard animal bedding.

Helpful extras that save time

These aren't always essential, but they're the bits people often wish they'd had ready:

• Spare rope/twine

• Marker spray / stock marker

• Extra buckets

• Spare towels

• A clean, lidded container for small items

Feeding and aftercare supplies (keep them together)

Even if you're not feeding immediately, it helps to have your sheep supplies organised in one place.

Start here for your core supplies: sheep feed and accessories.

Setting up the lambing area (quick prep list)

Before lambing starts:

• Deep clean and disinfect pens (allow to dry)

• Put down fresh, dry bedding

• Check gates, latches, and lighting

• Make sure water access is easy

• Keep your kit where you can reach it quickly

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

• Leaving items scattered across different sheds/rooms

• Not checking torches/batteries in advance

• Not having enough clean towels

• Running low on bedding during a wet spell

FAQs

When should I prepare my lambing kit?

Ideally at least 2-3 weeks before your first expected lambing date, so you have time to top up anything missing.

What's the most important thing to have ready?

A clean, organised kit with gloves, lubricant, towels, a torch, and a way to record notes. Clean bedding and good lighting also make a big difference.

How do I keep the lambing pen dry?

Use plenty of absorbent bedding and remove wet patches quickly. Keeping ventilation good (without draughts) helps reduce damp.

Do I need special equipment for lambing?

Most smallholders can manage with a simple kit, good preparation, and veterinary support when needed.

Shop the essentials

• Sheep feed and accessories

• Farmyard animal bedding

• Farmyard feeding equipment