tortoise's 2020 Preemie Lambs

[tortoise]

We had premature triplet lambs born on 4/1/2020. (not April Fool's unfortunately) 2 were tiny, about 3 pounds - 1/3 the size of a normal newborn lamb. The third was a little small but normal-enough.

 

[tortoise]

Day 3

Evening update

switched them to milk replacer today. No more milking their [uncooperative] momma.

Boy (in the back) is graduated to bottle feeding every 2 hours and stands up on his own.

Girl (in the front) still tube fed, but down to every 2 hours. Can't stand on her own, but can stay up if I stand her up. Had my vet (DH) check her out. Bones and joints are all fine, so now add lamb physical therapy to my to-do list.

 

[tortoise]

Updated- both preemie lambs survived, grew out fine and were sold at auction October 2020.

 

[tortoise]

Day 4

Morning weights and updates:
Girl 3# 8 oz (same)
Boy 3# 14 oz (+ 2 oz)

Girl is able to stand on 3 legs.

 

[tortoise]

Lamb field trip to the pasture. Third lamb is my normal-size bottle lamb

 

[tortoise]

Day 5

Boy 4# 8 oz (+10 oz!)
Girl 4# 0 oz (+ 8 oz!)

They're pooping a lot more. up to 3 baths/day just to keep the stink down to tolerable for in the house.

Girl is able to drink from a bottle now, but she's a bit coughy and raspy after so I'm thinking I should continue tube feeding a bit longer.

 

[wyoDreamer]

They are laying in a laundry basket, right? They are so cute!
Sorry that you are having to bottle raise them, I am praying for their health and your sanity. They seem pretty alert. Hope they grow fast.

 

[FarmerJamie]

Amazing how life finds a way to carry on and make us smile.

Keep the pictures coming!

 

[baymule]

You are a good lammy grammy! They are precious, hoping for the best.

 

[Mini Horses]

You are doing a GREAT job! It's a labor of love.

And we BOTH have a bunch of white babies....like an avalanche when they all run together.