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Lambing and Kidding Safety

Lambing and kidding bring long nights, tight pens and close contact with animals and birth fluids. A few good habits protect people as well as newborns.

What are the main risks during lambing and kidding?

Sheep and goats are smaller than cattle, but handlers can still be hurt by slips, strains, kicks and crowding. The bigger risks may be fatigue, repetitive lifting and exposure to disease.

Because births often come in clusters, workloads spike quickly. Planning helps you avoid rushing and cutting corners.

Plan early. A well-prepared barn and a rested crew handle a busy season much better than one that is figuring things out as it goes. Make a short checklist for the first day of the season and review it with everyone who will help.

• Slips and falls on wet bedding or floors
• Back and shoulder strain from bending and lifting
• Fatigue from broken sleep
• Exposure to birth fluids that may carry disease

Why does disease exposure matter?

Some infections can pass from sheep and goats to people, especially around birth. People who are pregnant, older, or who have weakened immune systems may face higher risk.

Ask your veterinarian and your local public health office about which diseases to know about in your area, and how to protect yourself. The CDC and state health agencies publish guidance on zoonotic disease, and you should follow it rather than relying on general advice from this page.

Never dismiss flu-like illness after lambing season. Tell your doctor that you work with newborn animals.

• Keep children out of the pens during the season

How can you set up the barn to be safer?

Think about space and flow. Pens should allow you to reach animals without climbing over gates. Good lighting makes problems easier to see. Provide handwashing facilities close to where you work.

Keep walkways clear, floors as dry as possible and electrical cords out of wet areas. Check any heat lamps and the way they are mounted, since fire is a serious risk in barns. Use the manufacturer's instructions and local fire safety guidance, and ask your fire department or NFPA resources for advice.

• Handwashing station near the pens
• Good lighting at working height
• Dry, non-slip walking surfaces
• Heat sources secured according to maker instructions
• Fire extinguishers placed and checked

What helps with fatigue and long hours?

Tired people make mistakes and get hurt. Divide night checks among helpers, nap when you can and eat regular meals. If you are alone, set realistic limits and ask neighbors or hired help for relief.

Do not drive or run equipment when you are very tired. Short breaks to stretch and drink water can help.

Be honest with yourself about your limits. Asking for help is a safety measure, not a failure.

How do you handle animals safely during birth?

Do not rush into the pen. Look at the animal's behavior and check your own footing first. A ewe or doe in labor may be anxious or protective of newborns.

Decisions about when and how to assist belong with your veterinarian. This article does not describe birth assistance. Ask your vet to teach you during a visit and to give you written guidance for your flock or herd.

Keep children away from birthing areas. Newborns and birth fluids carry risks that children may not recognize. Keep a phone within reach and tell someone when you are in the barn during the night.

• Rotate overnight checks
• Eat and drink regularly
• Stop if you feel unsafe to continue

Who can help you prepare?

Your veterinarian, extension livestock specialists and sheep and goat associations can all help you plan the season. Some offer workshops on lambing and kidding.

Local public health and agricultural safety organizations can provide information about zoonotic disease and worker protection. If you employ workers, ask the U.S. Department of Labor and OSHA about requirements that apply.

How should you handle heat sources and fire risk?

Heat lamps and electric heaters are common in lambing barns and are a well-known fire risk. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on mounting and clearance, and never leave a heat source where animals or bedding can touch it.

Check wiring for damage, keep dust and cobwebs down and have fire extinguishers within reach. Talk to your local fire department or consult NFPA resources for farm fire prevention advice. If a fire starts, get people and animals out only if it is safe to do so, and call 911.

• Secure heat sources according to instructions
• Keep bedding away from heaters
• Have extinguishers ready and know how to use them
• Know your exit routes

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.