The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Kimkimmy on March 18, 2017, 11:23:02 am

Title: Lamb refuses to feed.
Post by: Kimkimmy on March 18, 2017, 11:23:02 am

One of our Ewes gave birth to twins last night. Despite stripping she just didn't free up any milk. We tube fed lambs and gave the ewe oxytonin this morning. Milk yield was almost instant and one lamb is feeding well but the other one refuses point blank. Ive tried to encourage it by milking the ewe a little to get the scent but after 3 hours still no luck. Any hints  much appreciated.

Title: Re: Lamb refuses to feed.
Post by: shep53 on March 18, 2017, 12:33:34 pm

Time and patience , if you put the teat in its mouth and squeeze milk into its mouth and it refuses to suck then you just have to walk away and try again a little later .  You can try using a bottle and teat just to get it sucking then try it on the ewe

Title: Re: Lamb refuses to feed.
Post by: Kimkimmy on March 18, 2017, 03:33:53 pm

Thanks. Success thank goodness.