New born lambs can chill quickly in cold winter temperatures. Producers using heat lamps and warming boxes will need alternative methods to warm these lambs. Colostrum is essential. Ensure that lambs nurse as soon as possible after birth.
Colostrum is an excellent energy source.
Larger lambs will require proportionately more. Dry lambs are warm lambs. Newborn lambs chill quickly because they are wet, and have a high surface area relative to their weight. Producers can speed the drying time by rubbing the lamb with towelling, or clean, dry bedding. Peter Schoedter from Manitoba has successfully used the sleeves from woolen sweaters as pullovers for newborns.