The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Mustelid on July 05, 2013, 11:13:10 am

Title: Scouring Lambs
Post by: Mustelid on July 05, 2013, 11:13:10 am

Hi,

I had my five lambs drenched a fortnight ago and they've just started scouring quite bad.  I've put them in a small pen with very little grass in case that was the problem and I'm feeding them creep and hay.  These lambs are about 14 weeks old and they were bottle fed. 

Any suggestions to prevent them scouring?  As a sheep novice all advice would be welcome.

Thanks
Gavin

Title: Re: Scouring Lambs
Post by: Foobar on July 05, 2013, 11:20:10 am

What did you drench them with?

Title: Re: Scouring Lambs
Post by: Mustelid on July 05, 2013, 11:22:55 am

Not sure... a friend drenched them when he sheared my older ewes.  I'll find out.

Title: Re: Scouring Lambs
Post by: Foobar on July 05, 2013, 11:26:36 am

Assuming that they hadn't just been put into fresh lush grass, then my first thought would be worms.  You can get big hatches happen in a short space of time depending on the weather.
I would take a poo sample to your vet and ask them to do a FEC.  Your vet would then advise the best wormer to give them.

Title: Re: Scouring Lambs
Post by: SteveHants on July 05, 2013, 06:14:41 pm

Have a FEC done quickly - if it is early season Nematodirus then by the time they start to scour, they are at risk.