Author Topic: New kids - suckling ? (Read 2111 times)

Bluff · « **on:** May 15, 2017, 09:19:47 pm »

Two kids born this afternoon. We haven't actually seen them suckling yet but haven't been watching every minute tbh.
Both seem to know what to do but at the wrong end of the doe! Soon as we push them towards the rest they aren't interested. One has "Elvis leg" but otherwise they seem fine. Bit sleepy but otherwise fine just not feeding. How can we tell if they have managed all by themselves? Neither they nor the doe seem anxious just frustrated by our efforts to latch them on!! Thanks in advance

Anke · « **Reply #1 on:** May 15, 2017, 10:17:31 pm »

Milk out some colostrum asap and feed in a bottle. Do it now otherwise you will just worry all night...

Bluff · « **Reply #2 on:** May 15, 2017, 10:42:49 pm »

Thanks. Just been out. All sleeping. Got some off the mum but kids not too fussed. Think they already had full tummies!
All seems good now. Thank you for coming back

Bluff · « **Reply #3 on:** May 16, 2017, 07:10:57 am »

Well everyone seems ok this morning although the one with the bendy legs is a bit quieter. Looks like a day of monitoring for me.

Anke · « **Reply #4 on:** May 16, 2017, 10:48:14 am »

If the kids are lseeping when you get into the shed, wake them up and watch for "the stretch". If they do stretch and are relaxed all is fine. If the get up and immediately rush to mum to try and feed - problems...

PS.: Not sure hat you mean be "Elvis" legs, but it will probably sort itself out in a few days. Kids (and lambs) are often born with slightly contracted tendons in the foot making the walk etc on their knuckles rather than the bottom of the foot. Lots of exercise usually the best for it.

mart6 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 16, 2017, 05:59:19 pm »

Quote from: Anke on May 15, 2017, 10:17:31 pm

Milk out some colostrum asap and feed in a bottle. Do it now otherwise you will just worry all night...

As Anke says if you do not see them suckle in first hour or so, i always milk some out and give it them with a syringe. They need colostrum and its only available for 8 hours or so, if in doubt i always step in.
Often gives them a boost and off they go.

Legs i would give a few days, they are often cramped some more than others

Bluff · « **Reply #6 on:** May 17, 2017, 05:03:42 am »

Thank you very much for your advice. The legs seem to straightening as you predicted and even better news is that both seem very contented and relaxed. They are feeding well now. Thanks again