When Bottle Feeding Becomes Necessary
Bottle lambs happen for many reasons, including a ewe rejecting a lamb, insufficient milk supply, triplets that exceed what the ewe can support, or the loss of the mother. Whatever the cause, knowing how to properly bottle raise a lamb gives it the best chance at a healthy start.
Colostrum Comes First
Every lamb needs colostrum within the first few hours of life, ideally from its own mother, but colostrum replacer or frozen colostrum from another ewe works if the mother’s isn’t available. Colostrum provides essential antibodies that a lamb cannot get any other way, making this the single most important step in raising a healthy bottle lamb.
Choosing a Milk Replacer
Use a milk replacer formulated specifically for lambs rather than goat or calf replacer, since sheep milk has a different fat and protein composition. Follow mixing instructions carefully, as replacer that’s too diluted or too concentrated can cause digestive upset.
Feeding Schedule
Newborn lambs typically need small feedings every two to three hours for the first few days, gradually stretching to four to six feedings per day as they grow. Warm the milk to body temperature and never leave a bottle propped, since lambs can aspirate milk into their lungs.
Weaning the Bottle Lamb
Introduce small amounts of grain and hay starting around two to three weeks of age to encourage rumen development, and gradually reduce milk feedings as solid food intake increases. Most bottle lambs can be fully weaned off milk replacer by six to eight weeks old.
Watching for Health Issues
Bottle lambs are more prone to scours (diarrhea) from overfeeding or improperly mixed replacer, so watch closely for changes in stool consistency and adjust feeding immediately if problems appear. A clean, dry, draft-free space also goes a long way toward keeping a bottle lamb healthy.
Stock up on lamb milk replacer and supplies, and browse our sheep for sale if you’re growing your flock. For detailed feeding charts, see resources from your local Cooperative Extension office.
