The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: simon sheffield on April 17, 2014, 11:33:09 am

Title: lambs with diarrhoea.
Post by: simon sheffield on April 17, 2014, 11:33:09 am

Hi all, I have two new born lambs and it looks like they have very runny diarrhoea is this normal and what could it be if it isn't.
Thanks load's.

Title: Re: lambs with diarrhoea.
Post by: Marches Farmer on April 17, 2014, 01:08:45 pm

Speak to your vet asap.  Did they get colostrum straight after birth?  Born in a shed or in the field?  Did they get licked/towelled off and a jacket of some sort if it was a cold night?  You need to keep them warm and make sure they don't dehydrate.

Title: Re: lambs with diarrhoea.
Post by: in the hills on April 17, 2014, 01:24:14 pm

Some of our lambs pass  loose 'yellowish' motions for the first day or two ..... wouldn't call it diarrhoea but it is 'gooey'. Sticky and soft. Caused I think by lots of milk. We have one ewe who always has a huge bag and even with twins almost too much milk for them .... her twins are always loose to start with.

Could it be this?

Title: Re: lambs with diarrhoea.
Post by: Old Shep on April 17, 2014, 03:58:36 pm

what consistency is the "diarrhoea"?  If it runs like water that's not good, but as has been said a sticky gooey yellow stuff that sticks to the tail / straw  and everything else it touches is sort of normal for newborns.  Make sure they are not "pinned" ie it has set solid underneath the tail not allowing any more poo to come out - if so you have to clear it.  ;D

Title: Re: lambs with diarrhoea.
Post by: waterbuffalofarmer on April 18, 2014, 08:19:50 am

Diarrhea in lambs is quite serious. What I usually do is feed them on honey and water for a few feeds and see what happens. It could be an infection, too rich milk and also too much milk. How about putting some sheeps yoghurt in their milk along with a little bit of water and then sweeten it with honey.
I hope this helps