We have at least one lamb every year, due to the new mothers. The older ewes have never been a problem. But bottle-feeding can be a blessing, for the kids and grandkids, and also a real hassle, too. We use a lamb nipple, goats collostrum,(sp?) and to start a 4 ounce baby bottle. We feed no less than 4 times a day. Actully, if you watch your other ewes with their lambs, youcan get an idea as to when they might need fed again. Even if it is just 2 ounces, they need the "comfort" from the nursing. The mothers don't let the lambs nurse till they are full, just satisfied. We also let the lambs in with the other lambs at about 3 weeks. We feed them when the ewes are fed, that's when the other lambs really take advantage of the milk supply and momma being too busy to notice them sucking. We haven't lost any by doing it ourselves. But, if it is a ram lamb, DO NOT get too attached to it ,because a ram is a ram, is a ram! They can and will hurt you however tame they may have been all along their growing up months or years.They are animals and subject to change back to primal (sp?) instinct. Our grandaught loves being in charge of the orphaned lambs and has done this since she was 3 years old. She was taught that if she was thirsty then, just maybe, so was "her baby". Of course she eats right from our garden during the spring and summer so the lambs get a leash and go out with het and they get to browse in the grass as she eats her fresh veggies. Works out quite well. No junk food for either of them. LOL. Helen
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