The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: cluckyclaire on April 22, 2010, 11:12:36 pm

Title: Cleaning lamb
Post by: cluckyclaire on April 22, 2010, 11:12:36 pm

I got some sock lambs at auction on tuesday. One looks as though he wasn't cleaned properly by either mum or the farmer after the birth. Should i clean the wool as it is very hard n rough all over his body (head, tail and legs are fine)? Will it affect him as he grows (he is tiny at the mo) if left as it is? If i do need to clean him what is best to use to get clean?

Thanks claire

Title: Re: Cleaning lamb
Post by: jembo on April 23, 2010, 08:26:39 am

I use hibi scrub very diluted to soften any scours around the back end and legs. I have never washed a whole lamb, as especially if they are tiny I would be worried about them getting cold.
I would however clean around the face and then towel dry, or stick under a lamp.
A couple of mine were covered and looked quite orange, I left them and now the wool is coming through nice and clean.

 

Title: Re: Cleaning lamb
Post by: SueAllen on April 24, 2010, 07:46:13 pm

Can I be a fool and ask what a sock lamb is?

Title: Re: Cleaning lamb
Post by: jembo on April 24, 2010, 07:54:18 pm

Its as far as I know a regional term for a bottle lamb. Another word you may here is a CADE lamb.

Title: Re: Cleaning lamb
Post by: Hellybee on April 24, 2010, 08:41:50 pm

They are Mollys here in pembs and Swcis down the road in Carms :)

Title: Re: Cleaning lamb
Post by: Brucklay on April 24, 2010, 08:46:34 pm

Here in Aberdeenshire it's "sickies" so I've be told but one of mine is definitely not sick - head butted me in the attempted to get closer to the bottle this morning!! Didn't know wether to laugh or cry - was seeing stars!