[Hillview Farm]

Hello all, in need of some advice or peace of mind.

Got some bottle lambs ranging from 3-6 weeks. They have been weaned onto cold milk as o do not have electric or hot water here and I can't get enough hot water here to do their feeds.

They have the milk and start to shiver, do I need to worry? Do I have to put them back on warm? The milk powder I use suggests feeding cold and Our calves do it sometimes and we let them get on with it.

Any advice?

[twizzel]

Mine did this a couple of times this year, they were under a lamp and it was Jan/Feb but at 3-6wks old they should be fine without. As long as they are drinking and have lots of straw to keep warm they should be ok, unless they are visibly cold to touch especially around their ears.

[pgkevet]

It's my first time with bottle lambs and I was quite gobsmacked at how fast a 1 week old can down 1/2 pint. If they're smallish lambs then dumping that amount of cold water inside has to affect core temperature.

One simple answer may be a portable camping gas stove..cheap enough with a disposable gas cyinder and work out how much hot water to pour into the bottles to top up a concentrated mix to the right temperature.

I've got it esier with three in the barn or pen and one separated in the utility room or pen and the kettle handy

[Young Ed]

warm milk or warm lamlac, heat it how ever you make your cuppas or your dinner
Cheers Ed

[Marches Farmer]

An old-fashioned idea that works - the hot (or rather warm) water bottle!  As above, lots of cold inside will affect their core temperature but surprised at it having that effect if it's at ambient temperature.  We tuck bottles inside our shirts to keep 'em warm when necessary - not particularly comfortable but takes the chill off.

[Herdygirl]

Good idea MF  , I always have several big flasks (3) full of hot water, they hold enough to make up milk and wash the bottles afterwards.  I have often wondered if the shivering is because a lamb is 'overloaded' with milk.  With very young lambs I feed small amounts (100ml) every couple of hours trying to keep their feeding amounts as near to mum as possible.  Also make up the milk about 25% weaker than recommended for lambs that have access to grass, this helps to minimise the risk of bloat.
 

[Foobar]

Perhaps room temperature water would be better to use, rather than cold straight from the tap.  Got any plastic jerry cans you fill with water and leave in the sun ready for use? Even just a few degrees warmer than tap-cold will be of benefit.

[Hillview Farm]

Update

Last night I poured the water into a bucket and left it by the radiator overnight and they were much better this morning!

Thanks