The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Blodwyn on March 31, 2022, 08:07:34 pm

Title: Reuniting poorly lamb
Post by: Blodwyn on March 31, 2022, 08:07:34 pm

Hi was wondering if anyone can advice me please, early this morning we discovered one of our ewes had a dead lamb and another very poorly, floppy lamb  they where born 3 days ago and where doing fine but it was very  cold and hail stones. We  brought the surving lamb in warmed it up  expecting it to die but it has made a miraculous recovery. Is now drinking well and up on its feet. Will the ewe take the lamb back or will this be a lost cause. Thanks.

Title: Re: Reuniting poorly lamb
Post by: SallyintNorth on March 31, 2022, 10:20:22 pm

I expect she is still calling for it and will be very glad to see it!  Especially as she has lost the other.  Just put them together somewhere where you can intervene if she does cut up rough with it, but honestly, unless it's been days I wouldn't think you will have any trouble at all.

Title: Re: Reuniting poorly lamb
Post by: Blodwyn on April 02, 2022, 09:03:24 am

Thanks so much for your reply, yesterday we took the lamb back and as you say she was happy to see him. Followed us to the shed and was calling to him and cleaned him but will not let him feed. Checked udders all fine. But if we hold her head he can feed, so we are leaving them together and hoping she will give in and let him feed without us standing by her. Xx

Title: Re: Reuniting poorly lamb
Post by: Anke on April 02, 2022, 01:57:25 pm

She may need a little while until the milk comes out the other end and he smells "right" to her. So for the next few days I would make sure the lamb suckles supervised.

Title: Re: Reuniting poorly lamb
Post by: Blodwyn on April 02, 2022, 02:45:37 pm

Thanks a lot, we will do that, she is inside with him so is not a problem, he is feeding well from her while we stand by her head so it's not a lot of work to ensure he thrives x