6 Best Sheep Coats For Winter Lambing That Boost Survival Rates
Boost newborn lamb survival during winter lambing. Our review of the 6 best sheep coats reveals which options best protect against fatal cold stress.
There’s nothing quite like the sight of a new lamb on a frosty morning, but that idyllic image can turn stressful fast. A shivering lamb, too weak to stand and nurse, is a chilling reality for anyone lambing in the winter. The simple act of putting on a lamb coat can be the single most important intervention you make in that first critical hour.
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Why Lamb Coats Are Crucial in Cold Weather
Newborn lambs are incredibly vulnerable. They are born wet, with very little body fat and an immature ability to regulate their own temperature. In cold, wet, or windy conditions, they lose body heat at an alarming rate, a condition known as hypothermia. This is one of the biggest killers of newborn lambs.
A lamb coat acts as a crucial barrier against the elements. It blocks wind, repels moisture, and most importantly, helps the lamb retain its own precious body heat. This simple layer of protection allows the lamb to use its limited energy reserves for standing, nursing, and bonding with its mother, rather than just shivering to survive. Think of it as a bridge, giving the lamb a few vital hours to get a belly full of colostrum and build its internal furnace.
This isn’t just for the weakest lambs, either. Even strong singles can be challenged by a sudden temperature drop or a driving rain. For twins or triplets, where competition for milk is higher and birth weights are often lower, a coat is cheap insurance. It levels the playing field, giving every lamb a better shot at thriving in those first 48 hours.
Premier 1 Lamb Coats: Top Choice for Durability
When you think of a classic, reusable lamb coat, the Premier 1 style is what usually comes to mind. These are the workhorses of the lambing shed. They typically feature a tough, water-resistant nylon or canvas outer shell and a warm, synthetic fleece lining.
Their design is built for function and longevity. Most use a combination of a chest strap and one or two belly straps, all secured with sturdy plastic buckles or strong Velcro. This makes them highly adjustable and ensures a snug fit that won’t easily slip off a rambunctious lamb. They are an investment upfront, but because they can be washed, disinfected, and reused for years, the cost per lamb becomes very low over time.
The main tradeoff is the maintenance. Velcro straps can get clogged with mud and bedding, and the coats need to be thoroughly cleaned and dried between uses to prevent the spread of disease. For a small flock where you can manage a load of "lamb laundry," their durability and effectiveness are hard to beat.
JorVet Lamb Coats: A Simple, Vet-Approved Design
Sometimes the best tool is the simplest one. JorVet coats, and others with a similar design, are prized for their no-fuss functionality. They are often constructed from a single piece of material, like a thick felted synthetic wool, and slip over the lamb’s head like a small poncho.
The genius is in the simplicity. A single, wide belly strap is usually all that’s needed to secure it in place. This means you can get it on a chilled, listless lamb in seconds, which can be critical when time is of the essence. There are fewer buckles to fumble with in the cold and fewer straps to get snagged on a fence post.
While they may not offer the multi-layer, high-tech insulation of other models, they excel at their primary job: trapping the lamb’s body heat and blocking wind. This straightforward, effective design is why you’ll often find them in a veterinarian’s kit. They work well, they’re easy to apply, and they have a low profile that doesn’t interfere with a ewe’s ability to mother her lamb.
Weaver Lamb Blanket: Highly Adjustable for Growth
Weaver Leather is well-known in the livestock show world, and that background influences their product design. Their lamb blankets are often engineered with maximum adjustability in mind, making them a fantastic choice if you anticipate a lamb needing a coat for more than a day or two.
These coats often feature multiple adjustment points. You might find adjustable leg straps in addition to belly and chest straps, all with generous lengths of webbing. This allows you to get a near-custom fit on lambs of varying sizes and breeds. More importantly, it allows the coat to "grow" with the lamb. You can let the straps out each day, preventing the blanket from becoming restrictive as the lamb fills out.
This level of fit is a major advantage for comfort and safety, but it comes with a small caveat. More straps and buckles mean more potential snag points in a busy pen or on pasture. They are an excellent option for lambs you’re monitoring closely, ensuring the perfect fit doesn’t come at the cost of getting caught on a hay feeder.
Cosy Calf Coats: Maximum Insulation for Lambs
This might sound unconventional, but for a true life-or-death situation, using the smallest available calf coat can be a game-changer. When you have a premature lamb, a tiny triplet, or a lamb born during an extreme polar vortex, standard lamb coats may not provide enough thermal protection.
These coats are built on a different level. They feature a thick layer of polyfill insulation sandwiched between a waterproof outer shell and a smooth inner lining, essentially a miniature ski jacket. This provides a significant thermal boost that can help a severely hypothermic lamb pull through when nothing else will. This is your emergency tool, not your everyday solution.
The key is to be extremely careful with fit. You must ensure the coat isn’t so bulky that it prevents the lamb from getting up, moving around, or, most critically, nursing. A coat that’s too big can also block the ewe’s access to smell the lamb’s rear, potentially interfering with bonding. For that one specific lamb fighting for its life, however, the superior insulation is an unmatched asset.
Shearwell Lamb Macs: Lightweight, Disposable Option
For those who prioritize biosecurity and convenience, the disposable lamb mac is an elegant solution. These are not about insulation; they are about protection from the elements. Made from a thin, waterproof, and windproof material, they function like a lightweight rain slicker.
The primary advantage is hygiene. You use it once and then throw it away. This completely eliminates the risk of passing infections like scours or joint ill from one lamb to another via a shared coat. It also saves a tremendous amount of time and effort, as there’s no need for washing, disinfecting, and storing coats between seasons.
These are best suited for lambs born on pasture during wet, windy, but not frigidly cold, weather. They are perfect for keeping a driving rain off a newborn’s back, preventing that initial chill that can sap their strength. Because they are thin and tear easily, they are not a durable, long-term solution, but for short-term protection in a larger flock, their convenience is undeniable.
Canterbury Lamb Covers: Superior Weatherproofing
Originating from the demanding, often harsh, sheep-rearing conditions of New Zealand, Canterbury-style lamb covers are built for ultimate weatherproofing. These coats prioritize creating an impenetrable barrier over providing fluffy insulation. They are designed for lambs that will be living outdoors from day one.
The materials are the key difference. You’ll often find them made from heavy, treated canvas or modern, high-denier synthetic fabrics with robust waterproof coatings. The design is typically simple and secure, intended to stay put on an active lamb in an open field without shifting or coming loose.
If your lambing system is pasture-based and you frequently deal with cold, driving rain and persistent dampness, this is the style to look for. They may not feel as "cozy" to the touch, but their ability to keep a lamb completely dry is what will save its life. A dry lamb, even in the cold, can regulate its temperature far more effectively than a wet one.
Sizing and Fitting Your Lamb’s Coat Correctly
A lamb coat only works if it fits properly. A poorly fitted coat can be more dangerous than no coat at all. If it’s too tight, it can restrict breathing, cut off circulation, or cause painful chafing. If it’s too loose, the lamb can get its legs tangled in the straps, or the coat can slip and fail to provide any protection.
The standard way to size a lamb is to measure the topline, from the base of the neck to the top of the tail. Most manufacturers will provide a size chart that corresponds to this measurement in inches or centimeters. Don’t just guess; a quick measurement with a sewing tape will save you a lot of trouble.
When you put the coat on, it should be snug but not constricting. You should be able to easily slide two fingers between the lamb and any of the straps. Critically, check the rear of the coat. It must be cut high enough to allow for unrestricted urination and defecation. A coat that collects waste will cause skin irritation and can lead to flystrike. Finally, check the fit daily, as lambs grow incredibly fast in their first week of life.
Ultimately, the "best" lamb coat is the one that fits your specific climate, budget, and management style. Whether it’s a reusable fleece-lined jacket or a simple disposable mac, the crucial step is to have them on hand before the first lamb arrives. In the cold, dark hours of a winter morning, that small piece of gear can make all the difference between loss and life.
