Two sets of twins born last wk and moved to the barn. Was able to move out the one family unit, unable to move out the other group as having problems with mothering one of the lambs which resulted in some intervention. With work I missed seeing that one lamb was not being allowed to nurse which resulted in getting behind the 8 ball. Ended up having to put corn syrup under the tongue/cheeks to be absorbed through the mucosa membrane while I thawed out some cow colostrum I had in the freezer...I needed some quick calories in her to 'pick her up' enough to suck a bottle of colostrum ( cattle source works in a pinch ) I find lambs more of a challenge than calves that dont get off to a proper start. Took several days of substitute bottle feeding, and making the ewe stand for nursing ( mentally have marked her ear tag down as first to go when I down size the flock ) ...nursing having it's own challenges with lamb not understanding the process of using her tongue / tipping etc...just stood there bunting which didnt gain her any brownie points with dear 'ole mom. Had to bring Quade in to the pen one day as the ewe was being just plain miserable in standing and setting her foot to allow nursing....the dog just has to enter the pen to 'hold' the mom in one spot ...also kicked her maternal instincts up a notch.
Finally turned the family unit today as weather giving us a bit of a break from the raw cold we've had...still have to keep on eye on things. Rest of the lambs weathering the winter in good shape...have had to up the grain for moms. The older lambs have added grain and hay to their diet.
2 ewes and 2 cows left for the farm babies. Sting due beginning of March and looking thicker as the days go by.
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