Losing lambs

[n8ivetxn]

I'm coming to this a little too late, but I'll post anyway.... when I have a new lamb not doing well - give it an enema first, before feeding it. They can't regulate temperatures until they're about 3 days old, and when they get a chill it causes constipation. Then, they either lose appetite or if you tube them, it just causes indigestion and discomfort.

So, begin by warming the lamb, then give it a little enema (very easy), then feed the lamb and see if helps increase your recovery rates.

Oh, loose mineral is better for sheep, they will try to bite a block and end up with broken teeth.... (Ouch!)

 

[Baymule]

I'm coming to this a little too late, but I'll post anyway.... when I have a new lamb not doing well - give it an enema first, before feeding it. They can't regulate temperatures until they're about 3 days old, and when they get a chill it causes constipation. Then, they either lose appetite or if you tube them, it just causes indigestion and discomfort.

So, begin by warming the lamb, then give it a little enema (very easy), then feed the lamb and see if helps increase your recovery rates.

Oh, loose mineral is better for sheep, they will try to bite a block and end up with broken teeth.... (Ouch!)

They do bite the salt block.....thanks for the heads up! I am a sheep newbie, so I appreciate the words of experience and wisdom I find here on BYH! Also good advice on the newborn lambs that aren't doing well.

 

[Blue Sky]

I've wanted to post some photos but they upload upside down. Any suggestions?

 

[Latestarter]

rotate them upside down on your computer then try to upload and see if they're right side up?

 

[Blue Sky]

iPhone unfortunately. Will check though. I've never had this problem.

 

[n8ivetxn]

Hey Baymule, glad I can help! I could recommend a great reference book, if you plan to raise sheep, it's a wonderful help. Unlike other books on sheep.... It's called "Managing Your Ewe and Her Newborn Lambs," by Laura Lawson. It is step by step for real problem solving and includes trouble-shooting charts too. Easy to read and follow. I've only had sheep for a few short years, and this book has been with me since day one! Saved many a lamb life and a couple ewes too....

 

[Baymule]

Hey Baymule, glad I can help! I could recommend a great reference book, if you plan to raise sheep, it's a wonderful help. Unlike other books on sheep.... It's called "Managing Your Ewe and Her Newborn Lambs," by Laura Lawson. It is step by step for real problem solving and includes trouble-shooting charts too. Easy to read and follow. I've only had sheep for a few short years, and this book has been with me since day one! Saved many a lamb life and a couple ewes too....

Thanks! I googled it and found a site with her books.


http://www.sheepbooks.com/index.html

 

[Baymule]

I've wanted to post some photos but they upload upside down. Any suggestions?

Or just post them anyway and we'll stand on our heads.

 

[BlessedWithGoats]

Thanks everyone. Unfortunately I lost him. And this has happened before. Lamb born, ewe claims and it appears to be nursing well. At about day two it becomes lethargic and mom rejects. Then in spite of warming and careful feeding it just fades. I'm thinking protozoan gut issue or mineral deficiencies. No respiratory symptoms or swollen joints or navels. I do have seventeen healthy lambs plus two bottle lambs I sold that are fine. Perhaps the ewes sense something. I will keep observing.

So sorry to hear this!
Congratulations on all your other lambs!

 

[Blue Sky]

Final count 62 lost three. A much better season.