By Judy Barnet, Farm Columnist
It is hard to sit down and write this week. I guess I will start with the bad news first and get it over and done with – though for me it seems like there will be no getting over it.
We lost our beloved Zorro Dog this week, he was the life of the farm, our guard dog, best friend and co-host of the holiday cottage.
Of the 44 reviews on Airbnb nearly all of them mention Zorro. There have been many tears from children who have not wanted to leave the cottage at the end of their stay and leave Zorro behind! My grief feels like a bottomless pit.
It was also hard to say goodbye to Yves, Monica and the boys who have finally arrived in Tasmania with only what they could carry on the plane. Monica has already sent me pictures of the beach – their new house is only a one minute walk from the beach!
We have spent a lot of time down at the dam lately watching the sun go down and cooking on the campfire. There is a pair of Black Swans, lots of Pelicans and just before sunset you can see Silver Fish jumping out of the water. It is a very special place.
The second ewe on the farm to Lamb was 172. She was scanned with twins and proceeded to lamb when I was at work of course. Monica and my friend CJ kept an eye on her and when a hoof appeared but nothing else had happened four hours later it was time for a trip to meet the vet at Pikedale, half way to town.
Time was of the essence so this seemed the best solution. Kirsten from Stanthorpe Vet Care was able to pull the twins out easily and then put her hand back inside to check all was OK.
CJ says the look on her face was priceless as she exclaimed “Lucky Dip” and pulled out a third lamb! Mum and lambs are all doing well although the first born (a ewe) is being bottlefed as it was not as strong as the others.
We also have another Poddy Lamb – the old ewe I mentioned last week had mastitis on one side of her udder and was only feeding the ram lamb. I found the ewe lamb one morning, very weak and cold inside her mouth – her little body was starting to shut down.
I was able to get her going though and all was good until today when I noticed she was reluctant to walk and it appears she has injured her leg. So another trip to the vet is in order. Stay tuned for the results next week.
Another set of twins was born a couple of days ago so we have seven lambs to date, plus Bronte.
Several years ago I was lucky enough to be able to visit a Buffalo Dairy at Maleny and I fell in love with these wonderful beasts with their gorgeous soulful eyes. Last week I accidentally stumbled on a pair for sale.
I think they would make a wonderful addition to the farm and a big attraction for visitors! I can’t really afford them but then again, opportunities like this don’t happen every day!
My project of the Workman’s Wagon Restoration has taken it’s first step – it is now empty and ready to be towed out for inspection by Craig Barnes – Craig is a most amazing man and Stanthorpe’s Best Builder in my eyes!
It will be no easy feat to tow the wagon out from it’s present position where it has been for many years, one wheel is completely buried in the ground.
On the goat front the rogue goats remain out of reach. I was able to get them into the cattleyards however we just were not quick enough – the goat with the halter on jumped through the rails. Since then they will not go near the yards and I have given up for now.
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Spotlight on Feeding Poddy Lambs
• A Lambs Milk Replacer such as Max-Care is best due to being formulated specifically for lambs and kids but if not available full cream homebrand milk will work until you are able to get some Milk Replacer. Lambs are less lactose tolerant than calves.
• The Temperature of the milk is critical – slightly warm – body temperature is best. Too hot or too cold will cause scours.
• Feed at least four times per day with a maximum of 250ml for a young lamb under two weeks and 350ml for an older lamb. Lambs two to seven days require a total of 750ml per day over four feeds, eight to 14 days require one litre per day over four feeds if possible, 15 to 21 days approximately 1.4 litres, and working up to a maximum of 1.7 litres by 28 days. Lambs require colostrum for the first 48 hours of their life.
• Cleanliness is next to godliness in terms of washing lamb bottles to avoid bacterial infection.
• Vaccination of five or seven in one is especially important for poddy lambs – it can be done at eight weeks of age and followed by a booster at 12 weeks.
• I use the lamb bottle pictured however a softdrink bottle is fine, the important part is the teat with the non-return valve available from most produce stores – it fits on most bottles.
• Lambs will start nibbling at grass around five to seven days old, soft barley or oaten hay can also be given along with a small amount of crushed grain to help the rumen develop.
Until next week, stay safe and take care x
