Mastering Lamb Raising
Your Ultimate Guide to Preparing for the Fair
Lamb Pen Requirements
Your lamb pen does not need to be fancy, but it should have:
Some covered area
Easy open-close gate
Fenced to at least 48’ high
Dry, safe ground
Feeding Recommendations
We recommend Showtime Lamb Feed for its high protein, low cost, and the fact that most lambs like it. You can feed it all the way through.
Free feed grain until it hits 100 lbs.
A handful of alfalfa hay 2x day is plenty.
Don’t change your lamb’s feed without reason, usually lambs don’t need an adjustment until they hit 100 lbs. Typically, a lamb will eat 4 – 4.5 lbs./day, but you may adjust feed again 30 days prior to Fair. A small handful of alfalfa hay with the night feeding is plenty. ever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Water
Water should ALWAYS be clean and fresh – change daily. If you wouldn’t drink it, don’t expect your lamb to. Use a light-colored bucket to remind you!
Halter Use
Use a soft rope halter like this one. This one is put on properly with the slack under the chin and the lead on the left side. Never tie your lamb to something and leave it!
Training Tips
After you have gotten your lamb used to being caught, spend 10 minutes a day for 3-7 days putting the halter on and just standing with it. You can do this during feeding time and stay in the pen if you’re more comfortable. Don’t be worried if it freaks out the first day or two!
Continue with spending 10-15 minutes a day with your lamb. You should now be walking it on the halter—but remember to always walk it as if you have no halter on. This picture shows perfect hand placement.
First walk without the halter in the pen or other enclosed area. At this point walking is the only exercise your lamb needs.
Begin training your lamb to brace by standing directly in front of it and pressing back on it with both of your legs evenly against its shoulders. Once the lamb starts pushing back toward you, stop, and move off to the side of the lamb as pictured. If your lamb does not set his feet correctly on all fours, don’t be worried. We will help you with showmanship! Just work on bracing for now.
Whether you're a seasoned exhibitor or a first-time participant, contact us today for all the information you need to bring home a project lamb from Chavez Club Lambs!
