The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Michael57 on June 21, 2020, 11:52:01 am

Title: Lamb wont eat !
Post by: Michael57 on June 21, 2020, 11:52:01 am

We have two orphan lambs from a farmer down the road now c10 weeks Both weaned successfully and thriving but one went down hill quickly after wet weather . He’s had two lots of antibiotics and refuses to eat , in desperation returned to the bottle but he even struggles with that . Scoured a little but that has stopped - his brother is now about twice his size . Any thoughts gratefully received thanks

Title: Re: Lamb wont eat !
Post by: twizzel on June 22, 2020, 08:12:04 am

Has the vet seen him ? If not get him looked at today.

Title: Re: Lamb wont eat !
Post by: harmony on June 22, 2020, 08:16:35 am

Agree with twizzel. Has he been to the vet as he already has had antibiotics? If so, back to vet and if not, to the vet today.

Title: Re: Lamb wont eat !
Post by: Michael57 on June 22, 2020, 08:17:15 am

Yes gave antibiotics but no diagnosis. Should say we have also given kick start

Title: Re: Lamb wont eat !
Post by: twizzel on June 22, 2020, 09:22:09 am

Kick start only really helps newborn lambs. Try the vet again if he’s not responded to antibiotics.

Title: Re: Lamb wont eat !
Post by: harmony on June 22, 2020, 01:26:10 pm

You are not going to get a diagnosis on here because we are not vets and not seen the lamb so PLEASE go back to the vet who can examine the him, see what he has had previously and look at other treatments. We can suggest the obvious stuff like checking his mouth for injuries, tempting him with a different food and share experiences but he does need the vet. He may not have had enough or any colostrum at birth and his immune system is compromised. It is always a risk with cade lambs. Have they had any vaccinations?


Let us know how you get on and  :fc: :fc:

Title: Re: Lamb wont eat !
Post by: Michael57 on June 23, 2020, 02:27:51 pm

Thanks for your help. Vet on the way will let you know how he gets on

Title: Re: Lamb wont eat !
Post by: eryl on July 01, 2020, 10:04:48 pm

sounds a bit like cocci to me - antibiotics wont kill that. Pet lambs, regardless of how well you look after them, are more susceptible to disease.

Title: Re: Lamb wont eat !
Post by: The Black Sheep Squadron on July 02, 2020, 02:17:36 am

Quote from: Michael57 on June 23, 2020, 02:27:51 pm

Thanks for your help. Vet on the way will let you know how he gets on

Any update? ????