[graham-j]

Hi After a few years of relatively trouble free lambing this year seems to be a nightmare.

I have had ewes with signs of twin lamb disease, also the lambs all seem to be coming late.Have treated with calciject 20.

Now I have had a lamb die fitting frothing at the mouth,and another behaving oddly. I think its a mineral deficiency, so have put hi mag lick buckets out for the ewes, but am worried as the lambs are going mad for them , is it safe for the lambs.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[twizzel]

Pretty sure mag buckets are safe for lambs- mine have one and are using it daily, out of pretty lush grass. Are your lambs/ewes heptavac'd? Could it be pasturella? It's been a bad year for it due to the cold nights/warm days.

[graham-j]

Thanks Twizzel,no they are not. My neighbour a large sheep farmer has said the same .
I will definitely be using it in the future.Is there anything I can do for now.

Regards Graham.

[harmony]

You can start them on Heptavac now. You can do your sheep pre lambing to give your unborn lambs some cover when they arrive and your lambs from 3 weeks old.

[twizzel]

Yes start your ewes and lambs on heptavac ASAP, 2 injections 4-6wks apart and then the ewes need a yearly booster 4-6wks before lambing which will cover the lambs in colostrum until they are old enough for their first jab normally around this time of year.

[graham-j]

Hi Thanks, bought some this afternoon. Would have got some sooner, I didn't realise you didn't have to get it from a vet.

Regards Graham.

[Womble]

You shouldn't have to get it from a vet, Graham. If a farm supplies place stocks it, they should be able to sell it to you if you give them your farm details.