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weaning
Author: Ellen 
Date:   05-14-05 06:57

I have a 6 week old orphan lamb. I have been bottle feeding her since day one. I am trying to wean her but having no luck. She won't eat, all she wants is a bottle. This is my first experience with lambs/sheep and am getting frustrated. Can any one offer any suggestions? I've already cut her down to two bottles a day. She has fresh food and water available all day, every day. I've tried sprinkling some powdered milk over her food and also tried actually putting the food pellets in her mouth - she just spits them out. She won't drink the water either. Am I just trying to wean her too soon? We raise dairy calves, and my husband has a 5 day old calf that is already eating feed. Help, this lamb is ruining my reputation :-)

Also, can anyone help with a vaccination schedule? She is the only sheep on the farm for now. If I'm successful with this one, we may get more but for now she will probably keep the other calves company once she starts growing.
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Re: weaning
Author: Janet 
Date:   05-17-05 11:35

Many people start weaning at that age. Some people will start watering the milk, others will simple offer less and less. Lambs learn from their Mom (and others in the flock) what is good to eat; without that input it might be that your little gal just doesn't have enough of a curiosity streak to figure it out. You could go in close to meal time (don't run late, she will be in a panic on and not learn anything) and play with the grain/hay to get her interested. Otherwise keep both present and start gradually restricting her bottle milk.

Premier does not have a vet on staff so cannot make veterinary suggestions (regarding your question re vaccines). However I believe I can say that most shepherds at least give a CD shot (and booste4 weeks later) to lambs at 4-5 weeks. This would be especially important if you are planning on offering much grain. After the lamb gets the shot/booster shot series then an annual booster is generally sufficient per the bottle's label.

Janet
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