One point to remember is to have the lamb fed with colostrum no less than 6-12 hours immediately after birth. A newborn lamb should have a quart of colostrum within 24 hours from birth and as a minimum requirement, should be given twice at the rate of 1 pint each time. This therefore indicates the need for prompt and sufficient energy intake of the newly born lamb. As a producer you should be keen to observe chilled or inactive lambs. A normal thrifty lamb has bright eyes, alert, and vigorously nursing.
Unthrifty lambs are too weak to stand, become isolated with their heads low and ears drooping.
Weak lambs become chilled and dehydrated quickly. Normal temperature of the lambs ranges from 101-103 F and body temperature below 100 F indicates hypothermia. Dry the lamb using a towel and allow it to nurse after being warmed. Orphan lambs which need extra care may either be grafted onto another ewe or raised by itself. A high quality milk replacer should be adequate after receiving the minimum amount of colostrum.