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. Pull over the head, put legs through the slits, so the lamb's body is covered. It is important that the pullover does not cover too much of the tail and rear end of the lamb, so the ewe can recognize the smell of her lambs, thereby reducing the risk of mismothering.