The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: vfr400boy on March 29, 2021, 12:47:24 pm

Title: Pet lamb a bit off
Post by: vfr400boy on March 29, 2021, 12:47:24 pm
We picked up a pet lamb last night she is 5 days old her mums milk stopped,  shes only half heartedly sucking the bottle and looks a bit lethargic,  we keep giving her a bottle every 2 hours n she's maybe taking 150ml , is they anything I can do to pep her up a bit ?
Title: Re: Pet lamb a bit off
Post by: vfr400boy on March 29, 2021, 12:48:10 pm
Sods law its a ewe lamb n my daughter has fallen in love with it ha
Title: Re: Pet lamb a bit off
Post by: SallyintNorth on March 29, 2021, 12:57:24 pm

It's great that you have got her taking a bottle, well done.

If she's taking 150ml every 2 hours you may actually be giving her more than she needs.  Personally I would not feed her more frequently than every 4 hours, now that she is taking the bottle. 

She will be missing her mum and she will really appreciate cuddles and snuggles, and being talked to, and I would give her some fuss each time I visit, and not offer a bottle straight away.  As you snuggle her, she will start to quest for a teat, so then if it's a feed time, you can offer a bottle.
Title: Re: Pet lamb a bit off
Post by: twizzel on March 29, 2021, 01:40:02 pm
Have you got a thermometer? If so take her temperature
Title: Re: Pet lamb a bit off
Post by: vfr400boy on March 29, 2021, 05:58:26 pm
Just done the tea time feed n suck is stronger and shes looking a bit happier not much tho shes still a tad dehydrated skin stays up when pinched,  I will find a thermometer and let you know the temp shes a big lamb just a bit steady n down
Title: Re: Pet lamb a bit off
Post by: twizzel on March 29, 2021, 07:18:40 pm
It could be the stress of leaving mum has caused a slight pneumonia, young lambs are really vulnerable. Take her temp and if it’s high give the vet a shout. Good luck
Title: Re: Pet lamb a bit off
Post by: vfr400boy on March 29, 2021, 08:25:29 pm
39.3 she is
Title: Re: Pet lamb a bit off
Post by: SallyintNorth on March 29, 2021, 10:13:43 pm
Do you have fresh water available for to drink too?   Should do anyway, but especially if she"s dehydrated.
Title: Re: Pet lamb a bit off
Post by: vfr400boy on March 29, 2021, 10:40:56 pm
Yes I have 5ltr bucket of water for them,  I have just done the 10 30 feed n she's much better had a lot better suck and even got up to come see me
Title: Re: Pet lamb a bit off
Post by: SallyintNorth on March 29, 2021, 10:47:55 pm
Great stuff :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Pet lamb a bit off
Post by: vfr400boy on April 11, 2021, 09:37:16 am
Quick update lamb is doing grate now