[Jaq Bee]

Ten week old lamb who was one of twins, I lost his sister to what I think was bloat (got into the duck food) two weeks ago. Sine then he only picks at his creep feed and isn't eating anywhere near the quantity of hay that the other lambs I have do. He sits away from the others and seems to be depressed if that is possible. I have separated him to feed, just in case he is is being pushed out and he still shows little interest in food. He is still on two bottles a day, which he takes well. Any advice would be welcome. I don't want to lose him as well.

[Marches Farmer]

Did he get into the duck food too?  I'd consult a vet.

[Jaq Bee]

No, he didn't. The vet is away until Monday so I thought I'd ask here.

[harmony]

Have they been vaccinated?

[waterbuffalofarmer]

It could be that he is grieving for his lost sister, that can sometimes happen. Has he had any change whatsoever in his diet? How have his stools been?

[Jaq Bee]

 Vaccinated, poop and pee just fine, temp normal. He eats but nowhere near as much as the others. When he is with me he eats more but he just seems so lonely and apart from the others. He isn't growing as quickly, obviously because of his food intake. He is one of the twins I posted about when they were born, losing her was when I can pinpoint him being more withdrawn. My head tells me he is grieving and hasn't made a connection with the others and I was wondering if this could in fact be his problem. He isn't thin, just not growing so well.

[Jaq Bee]

Oh, and no change in diet

[waterbuffalofarmer]

It is probably grief then. I would suggest, if you can manage it, to spend a few hrs with him every day, or someone who you know could do this to give him a bit of company. Perhaps even re introduce him to the lambs and stay with him while they all feed. Maybe slowly wean him away from spending a lot of time with you and more time with the lambs in the long run. Also talk to him softly and calmly, this will give him the security that he needs and then slowly integrate him back with the others, still talking and stroking him when he is there and see how he does. Am afraid this may be a long process, I hope everything goes well and I hope this helps! All the best with everything

[Jaq Bee]

I have been spending all my spare time with him and I have a friend here for the next two weeks so we will share more time with him. He thinks I am his mum, I know this. From birth he has been very attached to me, they both were. Thank you for letting me know that it could in fact be grief, that was what my gut was telling me. Yesterday I spent a couple of hours in the garden with him and he was nibbling at grass so hopefully in the coming weeks when the grass fully grows he will spend more time grazing and learn to be a sheep.