Ewe emergency post lambing

[Baymule]

Do make sure they are warm and not chilled before bottle feeding. Stick your finger on their mouth, if cold, warm them up. It doesn’t sound like this is an issue. Make sure the heat lamp is high enough they can’t get to it. And keep drafts off them.

You got this!

 

[jambi1214]

I feed a grass hay, Bermuda or Bahia, free choice, all they want. Not familiar with alfalfa, don’t know if you have to measure it out or can free feed. I’m thinking measured out. Go easy on the grain to start with, too much too soon may cause stomach upset. You may want to offer baking soda to avert bloat.

Do you have access to a grass hay? If so you can free feed that, what they will clean up in a day.

If lambs are doing good on replacer, keep doing what you are doing. Don’t know much about bottle babies, only raised those two, in 8 years of having sheep. My 2 didn’t like the replacer, thrived on the homemade formula, so I mixed it a little less than half replacer and a little more half homemade formula. That is what worked for me.

@Mike CHS Can you add your experience with bottle lambs?

Ewes are getting grass Bermuda hay free access. I throw out a square bale so always have access. Got the loose minerals and they loved it. Bottle babies continuing to eat. They get around and even saw a lamb hop they are taking small amounts of bottle now and when I sat in there with them they snuggled together so seem ok for the moment....I know still so fragile. They tend to cry when they hear the other ewes. Talking back and forth kinda sad. 72 degrees out now so def not worried about heat now Someone mentioned they could have a parasite issue. But feces seems ok I know can't see the parasite usually but nothing of big concern. I got to pet both ewes heads this afternoon so even that is progress and hopefully they see I'm trying to help.

 

[jambi1214]

Some good news....The kitten instantly fell in love and is actually being helpful giving them love, warmth and comfort

 

[Mike CHS]

@Mike CHS Can you add your experience with bottle lambs?

We had better luck on the formula you posted over the replacer by itself but we add some to the milk mixture. Alfalfa is richer than hay but we start giving creep feed after they are about a week old. Once they get used to nursing from you, they are better off being with sheep as they will come running to you when you go out to feed. We usually have several things going on at feeding time but we put feed out for our dogs as well as a small bit of grain for the ram lambs in with the bottle lambs, then feed the lamb. We have always had bottle lambs in the house (dog kennel) for the first few days to make sure they are thriving. If the lambs mom is living they will usually let the lamb stay with them, even if they won't let it nurse but that doesn't fit your situation now.

 

[jambi1214]

Thank you. @Mike CHS Ram is still out with ewes so unsure about putting these babies with them,? Hopeful to get rid of a ram asap to get these guys with the ewes/wethers. Do you ever worry about other ewes hurting the babies? All our have been excellent mother's and young guys are very docile but wasn't sure....

 

[Mike CHS]

You have probably already seen it but ewes are rough on lambs that aren't theirs. It's all part of becoming herd members. It may seem silly but when the lambs call out you can answer and they will get used to it. We have one three year old adult now that was a bottle lamb that will still come to me when I "bah"

The lambs should be fine for a short while as long as they can see other sheep.

 

[Baymule]

Some good news....The kitten instantly fell in love and is actually being helpful giving them love, warmth and comfort

That’s so cute.

Ewes will but lambs that aren’t theirs. With no mamma to run to, they could get hurt. Let them get some size before letting them join the flock.

 

[jambi1214]

Brought twins inside for night and they are loving it and it does make it easier on me. They are getting milk replacer noticed diarrhea tonight. They had yellow thicker stools prior wondering if this is normal due to change in food. Or do I need to worry about something else.

 

[Baymule]

The replacer can give loose stools. Try mixing the whole milk formula and mixing it half to half with the milk replacer.

 

[jambi1214]

The replacer can give loose stools. Try mixing the whole milk formula and mixing it half to half with the milk replacer.

@Mike CHS @Baymule so do I mix the egg/milk/heavy cream solution with the milk replacer or just whole milk with milk replacer mix,? I also have been giving it cold now. Did warmer milk for 2 days...ewe is energetic and wants to eat a lot but limiting. Ram eating well not as fiesty as her walking around and nursing ok.
Also stool is stinky....