[Sheepmug]

Hi, new to the forum and need some guidance please. I am a complete and utter novice. I was asked to take on a bottle fed lamb as I'd been feeding it due to farmer not having usual help due to covid. I couldn't refuse (although I perhaps should have done!)

He's just over a week old and was a triplet. Not sure how much/if any colostrum he had. Currently having feeds every 3hrs ish (but night one after 12am about 5hrs). Takes approx 100-150ml. Powder says he should have 4 feeds a day up to 1lt but he's still weak and he stops when he's had enough.

He's come on since I started though, couldn't stand up at first and unable to take the teat himself. Still struggles to get himself to standing but able to stand to feed and get latched on now. He refused the last feed. Could it be that he's just a bit full or getting a touch of bloat?

I know he still may not make it as didn't have a good start and I'm probably not doing the right thing but I am trying my best and want to give him a chance.

Thank you in advance for any advice.

[shep53]

Put in car and take to vet , something is wrong if at a week old it struggles to stand , white muscle ? joint ill ? , at a week old my lambs 5-6 kg weight are taking 400-500 ml per feed 3 times per day

[Backinwellies]

I agree with a vet visit

...... but disagree with the 400-500ml per feed ..... my llanwenogs never reach over a bottle full 3-4 times a day so about a litre a day at peak .............  I always worry when these larger amounts are recommended .... no wonder people have trouble with bloat (which I have never had) if they try to fill a rarer breed with commercial amounts of milk.

[shep53]

I did specify lambs 5-6 kg in weight  obviously 2-3 kg would consume an amount relative to their size , plus if they were fed 4,5,6 times per day they would consume less per feed  , personally i have always fed lambs 3 times per day from birth  & calves 2 times