The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Allie61 on June 07, 2017, 07:02:42 pm
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Hi I am looking for advice from more experienced sheep owners than me regarding weaning. I have two twelve week old lambs who were abandoned by mum and bottle fed by me from day one. They have survived not getting any colostrum, a variety of ailments, bloat and are now pretty healthy BUT, they won't eat grass or drink water unless it's from a bottle. I am beginning the weaning process by reducing their bottles to morning and evening only and supplying lots of creep, starter pellets, hay etc, they will eat the pellets, some straw, a little hay and any amount of ivy or shrubs from the garden, but not a blade of grass. Any advice for this first time sheep Mummy?
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Stop the milk.
At 12 weeks they don't need it. If they have no milk they will drink water :thumbsup:
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should of weaned by 7 weeks max. By week 1 they should of been offered hay, straw, water, creep, mineral block (whatever similar I used seaweed) Def fresh grass by week 5.
Ad-lib bucket feeder is always better after a few days old.
Agree no more milk but be careful as sudden change in diet now can result in issues similar to staggers.