The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: ScotsGirl on April 16, 2010, 09:15:32 pm

Title: Wandering Lamb
Post by: ScotsGirl on April 16, 2010, 09:15:32 pm
I have a lamb which was born a week ago, seemed a bit poorly two days later  then got attacked by a fox on the Sunday night.

Since recovering I turned out yesterday and notice that he seems to wander aimlessly down field stopping occasionally then continuing.  He doesn't call much and has trouble locating his mum. I think he is either deaf or blind but seems to sense when someone/something is close.

Has anyone else come across this and know what to do?  I am worried about moving him into another field with rest of ewes or even leaving him out in case he is attacked again.  He feeds ok when he does find mum.
Title: Re: Wandering Lamb
Post by: doganjo on April 16, 2010, 09:26:31 pm
I know absolutely diddly squat about sheep but my instinct would be to treat him partly as an orphan lamb and perhaps keep him, and his Mum if need be, in a small enclosure, topping him up with a bottle if necessary, although that doesn't appear to be a problem if he can find her.
Title: Re: Wandering Lamb
Post by: Anke on April 16, 2010, 10:25:55 pm
yes would try and keep him and ewe (plus maybe another one and lamb) in a small paddock, you could just put up a corner in the main field with hurdles and move them every other day or so. Not sure how you would test for blindness/deafness in a young lamb...
Title: Re: Wandering Lamb
Post by: Hellybee on April 16, 2010, 10:31:56 pm
echo the above  ;)
Title: Re: Wandering Lamb
Post by: jembo on April 17, 2010, 09:58:23 am
Echoing above. He will benefit from being penned up for a while with mum. You can then access the situation better with him. If he is blind or deaf this may improve after time.
Poor little lamblet, hope he gets better soon.