Are you READY to care for a 'Poddy Lamb'?

Lambing season generally always brings with it a few little problems, not the least being a number of poddy lambs. Orphan lambs may arise after the death of the ewe or due to abandonment or rejection, especially by first time or maiden ewes and those with multiple lambs. A weak twin or triplet may need to be removed removed from its mother and raised by hand to ensure its survival. A strong, healthy triplet lamb or one that has lost its mother may be grafted onto another ewe that has recently given birth, but this may not be practical in a large flock. Raising orphan lambs by hand is often the best option. Though survival will depend on many factors, having the right equipment and environment are essential for success.
Don't despair as lambs can be reared successfully and economically provided some basic rules are met.

1. A newborn lamb needs a warm, dry and sheltered area out of the wind and hot sun. Provide bedding in the form of straw or shredded newspaper that can be easily replaced when soiled. In cold environments, provide the lamb with a heat source such as a heating lamp until it is able to maintain its own body
2. Good hygiene - it is essential at all stages of hand rearing. This means that all mixing and feeding equipment should be washed thoroughly and on a daily basis in boiling water.
3. In the normal situation the newborn lamb would receive colostrum from its mother when it suckled for the first time - this provides the lamb with an improved chance of survival.
   Artificial colostrum can be made up using 700ml cow's milk, one beaten egg, five ml caster or cod liver oil, 10 gm sugar and 45gm whole cream powdered milk. This will be a useful substitute but does not contain the antibodies of true colostrum.
4. Lambs tend to drink about 500 ml per day for the first week and increase to one to 1.5 litres per day onwards. Cows milk should be fortified with 45gm whole cream powdered milk per litre. From week two the gradual substitution of milk with solids can occur.
5. High protein lamb pellets and top quality leafy lucerne hay should be offered to the poddy's as well as pasture.
6. Once lambs are readily eating the pellets and grain then the frequency and amount of milk can be reduced. This could be as early as eight weeks of age.
7. Introduce lambs to water by three weeks - lambs should drink up to 1.5 litres per day.