Caring for Bottle Fed Lambs: Tips for Success and Health

Each year we raise "bottle babies" and each year we learn and grow as we navigate thru the experience. No two bottle fed lambs are the same and often what worked for one, won't apply to the rest. This article explores some of the more common issues one might encounter, a few suggestions to simplify the process and pro tips for Day#1 (the homecoming).

For context, we began raising bottle fed lambs when one of my mother's ewes couldn't produce enough milk to feed her set of twins. There are various reasons a lamb may need to be bottle fed, from insufficient milk production to inability to suckle properly. Sometimes the lamb will be "abandoned" by its mother if she knows she can't provide for it (seen commonly in the case of triplets), and there is the dreaded "orphan" scenario as well. None of these reasons are ideal, but they are a fact of farming and part of life.

We have been purchasing bottle fed lambs from a local farm the last few years and find it is the most cost efficient way to raise lamb without needing large fenced pastures, a ram and a hay supply. This method works well for us as we can bottle feed in the barn until the pasture is ready each spring/summer then turn them out and essentially forget about them until fall. Not really, but it's pretty basic care once you get thru the bottle feeding stage.

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Lamb milk replacer can be purchased at your local feed store and typically comes in various sizes. I've found that one 20 kg bag is sufficient for two lambs, especially if you get them eating other food early enough. The bag comes with instructions for preparing the formula and a feeding guideline. Each year, I have to relearn this part of the program but it's better to be safe then sorry here. If you overfeed or mix it to rich, it can cause bloating or diarrhea, both of which are uncomfortable for the lamb and can lead to malnutrition and dehydration. Read the instructions, follow them and keep track of your feeding cycle. We bottle feed, as opposed to bucket, so each lamb has their own bottle, which is cleaned thoroughly between feedings. I used to feed each baby individually, which was manageable when we only raised a couple at a time, but now we have built a holster that you can slide the bottles into upside down and strap in. It hangs on the fence at their height and can be adapted to accommodate as many bottles as needed.

Our new baby lambs have a draft-free inside area, equip with a heat lamp (nights are still fairly chilly here in Northern Alberta in April), and dry shavings/straw. They also have access to a small fenced outdoor area but that is typically reserved for warmer weather. We installed a remote weather monitor so I can see what their environment temperatures are at all times from inside my house.

A few suggestions for THE HOMECOMING:

• Set up their shelter a day or so in advance to ensure everything comes up to temp.

• Use dry shavings or stray to help insulate and keep area dry.

• Bottle lambs do not require a bucket of water until they start to get a bit bigger (eliminates the possibility of drowning).

• Let them adjust to their new surroundings with minimal interference.

As the lambs continue to grow and start "nibbling" on the straw and/or grass in their enclosure it is a good idea to introduce some form of feed. I usually install a small feeder and keep it full of hay. This encourages them to eat grass and will eventually assist with weaning them. Grain, in small quantities, is okay at this point as well. They can now be allowed unlimited access to their outside pen whenever they choose. This is important for two reasons. It teaches them to return to the safety of the shelter if threatened (which they will!) and it continues to encourage them to nibble on fresh greens. At this time, you are likely down to two larger feedings per day of the milk replacer and wondering when it will all end? I typically feed milk replacer until they are roughly 6-8 weeks old or I run out of the milk replacer (whichever happens first).

In the past we have dealt with a few cases of bloat resulting from inconsistent formula prep and/or incorrect temperatures at the time of feeding. It's common but it's truly frightening to witness. The lamb will first present as lethargic and lifeless with a swollen abdomen. They will consistently become more and more depleted, not moving, eating or acknowledging anything. If the pressure is not released, they can perish. Relieving that pressure can be done with a sanitized hose down their esophagus into the belly. They will require a modified feeding schedule until they get back to normal and chances are they will be consistently behind the rest for the remainder of the bottle stage. Note: I do not suggest trying this by yourself, nor am I offering medical advice. Consult your vet before attempting any at home procedures.

All these suggestions and tips should see you thru the bottle stages of your lambing season without to much hassle. There are always complications and unforeseen circumstances, but with a bit of prep and some planning you can successfully raise happy, healthy lambs.

Kind regards,

Tina Marie