KAIMAI SCHOOL Calf Club Lambs (and Goats)

Generally, lambs are not hard to obtain. Although goats can be a little harder to find than lambs, there are still goats available. Lambs and goats born on or after the 1st of August may be entered. Most farmers have a few motherless lambs each season and if at all possible these are given to foster ewes to feed, but there are always some lambs that have to be handfed. These are the perfect ones to have as pets. If you are having trouble finding a goat/lamb please contact the school.

You must remember that you are taking the place of the orphaned lamb’s/goat’s mother and, after a short time, usually its reaction to your call will result in it running up to the fence and calling for you too. The more effort, time and care you put into your lamb/goat the better the result will be on Calf Club day.

SHELTER Prepare a small pen with shelter in a sunny position, free from draughts. This is necessary for young lambs/goats, and even older ones like shelter where they can get out of the wind and rain, and the sun on hot days. Have hay in the shelter for the lamb/goat to lie on, and keep replacing the hay when it becomes dirty or wet.

It will not be long before the lamb/goat is quite vigorous and will want to get out of the pen. You will then have to tether it, or let it run in a small, fenced, disease free paddock. Do not allow your lamb/goat access to garden shrubs, as some are poisonous (e.g. Oleander, Kalmia, Rhododendron). Remember to make sure that the lamb/goat can get back to its warm dry pen at all times, especially at night or when the weather can turn stormy.

FEEDING Remember to do the same things in the same order each time before a feed. Use a milk replacer designed for lambs (or kids) and follow the manufacturer's directions (this can be obtained from your local farming supply store). Feed your lamb/goat “little and often” for a start. Gradually increase the amount of food and decrease the number of meals. Feed three to four times daily for six weeks on 800ml – 1.2 litres of milk at body temperature. Bottles and teats should always be kept clean as dirty equipment will cause scouring.

After six weeks increase the milk supply to 1.7 litres or more daily, according to the appetite of the lamb/goat. A good indication of when the lamb/goat has had enough is when the flanks become level with the sides. Never allow it to have a bloated look. Fresh grass to run on is necessary for the lamb/goat. The lamb/goat will also start eating grass after about three weeks.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS • The lambs wool should be brushed and parts such as under the front legs, on each flank and inside the ears, can be cleaned with a damp cloth.

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Keep the lamb/goat clean by making a cover for it.

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Keep the lamb’s/goat’s bed clean and dry (fresh hay, or newspaper, when necessary).

• Wash the feeding bottle and teat after every meal. Allow your lamb/goat access to clean drinking water too.

• Have either a collar and lead with a snap hook on one end, or a halter similar to that used for calves (in some cases this is more efficient) for leading or tying up your lamb/goat.

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Provide shade in hot sunny weather. Don’t wash your lamb.

TRAINING You should try and get your pet lamb/goat when it is only a few days old. Whenever possible feed it yourself, as it will only become really friendly to you if you feed it. To train your lamb/goat, stand with the bottle of milk behind your back some distance (about 10 meters) from the lamb/ goat and call it by name. When it comes to you give it a gentle pat and feed it. At all times be careful not to tease or frighten your lamb/goat, as it will only be trusting and affectionate it you are kind. Try and make some time each day to play with your lamb/goat so that you both get to know each other well. Talk to it quietly when feeding it and playing with it.

COMPETITION There are three classes. Each class is allocated points and the total points are added at the end of the event to determine the best lamb. The classes are;

• Leading • Call and Follow • Child Effort

LEADING Start with your right hand (palm up) on the lead close to your lamb’s/goat’s head and your left hand (palm down) in line with your left leg. This should position the lamb’s/goat’s head just in front of your legs. Walk at a natural speed and try not to drag your lamb/goat.

LEADING IN THE RING 4) Proceed around next peg to finish line

3) Stop at next peg for three seconds

Finish Start

1) Lamb is positioned on your right side.

2) Walk around first peg.

CALL AND FOLLOW Before allowing the event to start the judge will make sure that onlookers are aware that the lambs/goats are easily distracted. Quietness and restricted movement while the event is in progress must be observed. The judge will look for the reaction of the lamb being held by the steward while its owner is walking away to call it and the reaction and answer to the child’s call. The lamb/goat should allow the child to pat it at the end of the call and should walk and then run behind the child. At the end of the run the child should catch the lamb with ease to replace its lead.

CALL AND FOLLOW IN THE RING 4) Child turns to the finish and walks 5m then catch's the lamb/goat.

3) Student walks to second peg and lamb/ goat follows

2) Student walks to first peg and calls lamb/goat.

Finish Start

1) Lamb is held.

CHILD EFFORT All lambs/goats are normally called into the ring together. The Judge will talk to each child and ask them questions about their pet.

• “When was it born?” • “How often is it fed?” • “How much does it drink?” • “What breed is it?” Learn as much as you can about your lamb/goat.