Author Topic: lambs with diarrhoea. (Read 3100 times)

simon sheffield · « **on:** April 17, 2014, 11:33:09 am »

Hi all, I have two new born lambs and it looks like they have very runny diarrhoea is this normal and what could it be if it isn't.
Thanks load's.

Marches Farmer · « **Reply #1 on:** April 17, 2014, 01:08:45 pm »

Speak to your vet asap. Did they get colostrum straight after birth? Born in a shed or in the field? Did they get licked/towelled off and a jacket of some sort if it was a cold night? You need to keep them warm and make sure they don't dehydrate.

in the hills · « **Reply #2 on:** April 17, 2014, 01:24:14 pm »

Some of our lambs pass loose 'yellowish' motions for the first day or two ..... wouldn't call it diarrhoea but it is 'gooey'. Sticky and soft. Caused I think by lots of milk. We have one ewe who always has a huge bag and even with twins almost too much milk for them .... her twins are always loose to start with.

Could it be this?

Old Shep · « **Reply #3 on:** April 17, 2014, 03:58:36 pm »

what consistency is the "diarrhoea"? If it runs like water that's not good, but as has been said a sticky gooey yellow stuff that sticks to the tail / straw and everything else it touches is sort of normal for newborns. Make sure they are not "pinned" ie it has set solid underneath the tail not allowing any more poo to come out - if so you have to clear it.

waterbuffalofarmer · « **Reply #4 on:** April 18, 2014, 08:19:50 am »

Diarrhea in lambs is quite serious. What I usually do is feed them on honey and water for a few feeds and see what happens. It could be an infection, too rich milk and also too much milk. How about putting some sheeps yoghurt in their milk along with a little bit of water and then sweeten it with honey.
I hope this helps