Care for a Baby Lamb - If the baby is a newborn, milk the ewe (mother) if possible to get colostrum. It is always best to get the milk directly from the ewe --- however when the ewe dies it won't be possible to get all of the milk for the lamb from her but getting a little bit of the colostrum that is present directly after birth is best if you can manage to milk some out. If you cannot get any from the mother you might be able to get some from a different new mother. You must collect colostrum in the first 24 hours after birth, so if you do not have any other ewes that have given birth in that time frame it won't be possible. It is a good idea to always collect a little bit of colostrum from ewes who have given birth so you can freeze it and keep it for emergencies. If you have not done that you can order freeze-dried colostrom ahead of time from a livestock supply house. If the new lamb was a total surprise and you have nothing on hand, contact your local large animal veterinarian to see if they have any sheep colostrum on hand, or if there are any other sheep breeders in the area that might have some. It is very important that the lamb's first feeding is of colostrum or at the very least tht they get some colostrum within 24 hours of birth. Colostrum contains antibodies that will protect the baby until it is old enough to be inoculated.
Make sure the colostrum and subsequent milk feedings are the proper temperature. Getting a baby lamb to drink from a bottle is difficult at first but will be much easier if the liquid is the correct temperature. It should be just warm to the touch, not too hot, and not cold.
Care for a Baby Lamb
Place the colostrum or formula in a bottle. A 16 oz. soda bottle or small dishwashing liquid bottle works well. Warm the liquid until it is warm to the touch. Place a lamb nipple on the top of the bottle.
Sit on the floor with the lamb in your lap and pry open his mouth with your fingers. Insert the nipple and wiggle it back and forth until the lamb latches on. They can be VERY stubborn until they suddenly realize it won't hurt them, and it tastes good. After that you should have no problem getting your little lamb to take the bottle.
Make sure your lamb is warm enough. For the first few days it may be difficult for a lamb to regulate its temperature, especially if you are keeping it in the barn and the weather is cold. A cold lamb will not eat.
Generally speaking, lambs stay with their mothers and are well-cared for without much help from the farmer. However, there are times when caring for a baby lamb becomes necessary. If the mother dies, or rejects the lamb, you will need to know how to care for a baby lamb so that they can thrive and once again become part of the flock when they get older. A bottle lamb, or bummer lamb as they are sometimes called, has a great chance at survival if you find it soon and get it warm and eating quickly. - by eHow
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