Weaning lambs off cold ad-lib milk

[steveR]

Got two pens of lambs now and neither lot were at all keen on the creep pellets in front of them. I have now changed to a coarse mix, as I used to use for calves in the same situation, as it is more palatable and appealing. Clean water available, at all times, never drunk

I've dropped the milk to daylight only to encourage the little sods but even that is not really seeing much intake of hard feed....

What are the experts doing to wean the little buggers? Cold turkey???

 

[steveR]

Should say the lambs look great, but for the amount of milk they consume, they damn well should!!!

 

[EJS]

If lambs healthy and reached 5 weeks and have been seen to nibble creep then I go cold turkey. Make sure straw available to eat as well. I found any milk meant they just hung around waiting for it so cold turkey best, if a little noisy for a few days!

 

[Estate fencing.]

Just take them off milk if they are old enough. Some wish they where eating less

 

[Filthyfarmer]

Just take them off milk if they are old enough. Some wish they where eating less

Fully agree, more harm done weaning off gradually.

 

[BAF]

If they've got no milk to fill up on they've got no choice but to eat creep. That doesn't mean they won't shout every time they see you and try and convince you they've had their throats cut

 

[Jockers84]

Having good straw with them makes a big difference to get them started on the creep before abrupt weaning

 

[steveR]

Think a move around the back to a semi open shed might be best!! Long way from the house

 

[steveR]

If lambs healthy and reached 5 weeks and have been seen to nibble creep then I go cold turkey. Make sure straw available to eat as well. I found any milk meant they just hung around waiting for it so cold turkey best, if a little noisy for a few days!

Not actually seen any eating, but a tickle is being consumed by something.....

 

[steveR]

If they've got no milk to fill up on they've got no choice but to eat creep. That doesn't mean they won't shout every time they see you and try and convince you they've had their throats cut

It has been suggested here, that maybe the lambs should be moved to the other side of the A49....

Happily, I have been tractoring all day and heard nowt!

 

[ladycrofter]

My biggest three had their last bottle tonight so they'll be screaming their heads off for days. But I've also seen them eating their creep so tough luck. They're already at the anger stage of grief, at not getting four bottles shoved in their face every day.
Cold turkey is best for everyone concerned.