The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: EP90 on April 10, 2017, 06:34:47 pm
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I’ve 3 bottle fed lambs at 2 weeks old, one is a bit off colour & not his bouncy self for the last 2 days. Takes most of his bottle but his poo is a bit runny, yellow but no blood. Neighbour gave me a part used bottle of Lamb Kick Start to give him a boost. Seems very expensive to buy for a few vitamins, trace elements and Molasses. While I’m sure it won’t hurt him, is it actually beneficial or is it just “Red Bull” for lambs?
I’ll monitor and any deterioration I’ll make a trip to the vet.
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Great for newborn lambs that are a bit weak, probably not going to help your lamb much- some oral rehydration therapy may be better- Rehydion or pink sour sachet. Have you taken his temperature ?
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I have used it with a new born and it seemed to make a difference. I'm not sure about an older lamb though.
The vet sounds a good idea if he isn't perking up.
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Temp is normal. Took his full quota of milk this morning, poo still very loose. I'll call in at the vets this am.
Kick Start is probabley good for what its supposed to do but as you say maybe not in this case. Thanks.
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Might be worth alternating his feeds with scour rehydration liquid and milk, we did that last year with a lamb that had awful upset stomach and she was back to normal within a couple of days :)
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At this age I'd suspect coccidiosis. I've never used Kick Start.
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I've used it for newborns and it's bloody amazing. Often felt like having a swig myself ;D
Never used it for older lambs though. Hope the wee yin's OK
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If you have free kick start it won't hurt giving it some. Who knows it may help. But chat to the vet is needed
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Vet agrees that Kick start is usefull upto a couple of days old, after that she'd be looking for something differrent. Came back with oral Bimaster and Tolracol, plus Marbocyl injection topped of with Effedral electrolite drink. Guess that just about covers everything. :relief:
Well impressed with my new vet/dispensary, total cost of €4.5 (less than £4)
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I've used it for newborns and it's bloody amazing. Often felt like having a swig myself ;D
Never used it for older lambs though. Hope the wee yin's OK
This! :D
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What difference a day makes. He's nearly back to normal, running and jumping as a good'n. Poo still a bit sloppy but improving, guess that will take a day or two to work through his system.
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At this age I'd suspect coccidiosis. I've never used Kick Start.
Life cycle for coccidia is 3 - 4 weeks, so I wouldn't expect issues with cocci before that age.