h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Absolutely brilliant!!!

This is a SERIOUSLY good article.

My Dad ran sheep in Oz for over 20 years and - having had to deal with a number of awkward lambings over the years including breach births, exhausted ewes who can't push and stillborns- I think you've got it pretty much spot on. WELL DONE.

Only two things I'd add....

1. It's MESSY. Bloody and slimey. However, watching the baby lamb struggling to it's feet makes it all worth it.

2. If you need to use the bootlaces (or twine or whatever) tie a slip knot first, then reach inside. It's impossible to tie a knot in there.

Again, brilliant work. Well done SWL.

great stuff

Aww shucks

Yeah, maybe I should have mentioned the slipknot

I have to admit, lambs never did it for me. Watching a calf being born though is amazing ! Exactly the same process but somehow more awesome. I may be biaised though in that calves do form a bond with humans and retain a personality throughout their lives.

I think the article is very useful but would as stressed in the text again point out that nobody (especially a woman) should try to help any ewe without trying to contact the farmer. It is usually the case that they are around especially at this time of year. There are real risks of causing the ewe and lambs problems by trying to be helpful including introducing infections.

(farm vet so speaking from experience)

AWESOME

I agree loosehead. But I had a problem writing the piece trying to keep it informative, readable and in the spirit of DNA.

Using the device of the hillwalking scenario enabled me to write in the style of hitch-hiker. A straight "How to" would be fairly bland except to those interested in this particular subject.

I very much believe that Douglas Adams wrote his books and intended HooToo to be entertaining as well as thought-provoking and educational.

I emphasised as much as I could the strong advisability of finding the farmer. Even having a little experience and having a fair idea of what to do myself, I would always try to find the farmer first.

Thanks for the input and I hope you enjoyed the article.