Lambs drink only their mother’s milk for the first few weeks of life. After that, they gradually start eating grass, hay, and specially formulated lamb feed. By the time they are two months old, most lambs get almost all their nutrition from solid food, not milk.
What Do Lambs Eat For Food in Their First Week?
Newborn lambs need colostrum, which is the first milk their mother produces. Colostrum is thick and yellowish. It is packed with antibodies that protect lambs from infections during their first days of life.
After the first 24 to 48 hours, lambs drink regular milk from their mother. They nurse frequently, usually every two to four hours. A healthy lamb will gain weight quickly during this period. If a lamb is not nursing well, a farmer may need to bottle-feed it with lamb milk replacer.
Cow milk is not a good substitute for lamb milk. It has a different fat and protein balance. Lamb milk replacer is designed to match what ewes produce naturally.
When Do Lambs Start Eating Grass and Hay?
Lambs start showing interest in solid food around two weeks old. They will nibble at grass, hay, or their mother’s feed. This is normal exploratory behavior, not a sign that they are ready to stop nursing.
By three to four weeks old, lambs begin eating small amounts of roughage. Their digestive system is still developing. The rumen, which is the part of the stomach that breaks down grass, is not fully functional yet. It takes time for the right bacteria to grow in the rumen.
Research shows that lambs that have access to hay and starter feed from an early age wean more easily. Their rumen develops faster because solid food stimulates bacterial growth. Most lambs are fully weaned from milk by eight to twelve weeks old.
What Is the Best Feed for Growing Lambs?
Lambs need a balanced diet that supports rapid growth. The main components are forage, grain, and protein. Here is what each part does:
- Forage — grass, hay, or silage. This provides fiber, which is essential for rumen health. Good quality hay is better than straw, which has very little nutritional value.
- Grain — corn, barley, oats, or commercial lamb pellets. Grain provides energy. Lambs grow faster when grain is part of their diet, but too much grain can cause digestive upset.
- Protein — soybean meal, alfalfa, or commercial protein supplements. Protein supports muscle development. Growing lambs need higher protein levels than adult sheep.
- Minerals and salt — lambs need calcium, phosphorus, and trace minerals. A free-choice mineral supplement designed for sheep is recommended. Do not use cattle mineral, as it often contains copper, which is toxic to sheep.
Commercial lamb starter feed is a convenient option. It is formulated to provide the right balance of energy, protein, and minerals. Most starters contain about 18 to 20 percent protein. As of 2026, current research suggests that creep feeding, which is giving lambs access to starter feed while they are still nursing, improves weaning weights and overall growth.
How Does a Lamb’s Diet Change as It Grows?
Lambs go through three distinct feeding stages. Each stage has different nutritional needs.
Stage one: Milk only (birth to 3 weeks) — Lambs rely entirely on milk. Their digestive system is not ready for solid food. They need frequent feedings and warm conditions to thrive.
Stage two: Transition (3 to 8 weeks) — Lambs start eating small amounts of solid food while still nursing. Their rumen begins to develop. This is the best time to introduce hay and starter feed. Lambs in this stage should always have fresh water available. Many people do not realize that lambs need water even when they are drinking milk.
Stage three: Weaned (8 weeks and older) — Lambs get all their nutrition from solid food. A diet of good quality hay and grain is sufficient. Some farmers continue feeding lamb starter until the lambs reach market weight. Others switch to a maintenance ration. The choice depends on whether the lamb is being raised for meat, breeding, or as a pet.
What Foods Are Dangerous for Lambs?
Not all plants and feeds are safe for lambs. Some common mistakes can cause serious health problems or death. Here is what to avoid:
- Grain overload — If a lamb eats too much grain at once, it can develop acidosis. This condition causes the rumen to become too acidic. It can be fatal. Always introduce grain gradually over one to two weeks.
- Moldy feed — Moldy hay or grain can contain toxins that damage the liver and nervous system. Lambs are more sensitive to these toxins than adult sheep.
- Copper — Sheep cannot excrete copper efficiently. Too much copper builds up in the liver and causes poisoning. Do not feed lamb any feed or mineral supplement intended for cattle, goats, or horses. Only use sheep-specific products.
- Certain plants — Rhododendron, azalea, yew, bracken fern, and ragwort are toxic to lambs. Pastures should be checked for these plants, especially if lambs are grazing in a new area.
- Bread and processed foods — These are not nutritionally balanced for lambs. They can cause bloating and digestive upset. Stick to hay, grass, and formulated feed.
| Food Type | Safe for Lambs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mother’s milk | Yes | Essential for first 3 weeks |
| Lamb milk replacer | Yes | Use only if mother is unavailable |
| Grass hay | Yes | Introduce at 2-3 weeks |
| Alfalfa hay | Yes | Higher protein, good for growth |
| Lamb starter feed | Yes | 18-20% protein, balanced minerals |
| Corn or barley | Yes, in moderation | Introduce slowly to avoid acidosis |
| Cow milk | No | Wrong fat and protein balance |
| Cattle mineral | No | Contains copper, toxic to sheep |
| Moldy hay or grain | No | Can cause poisoning |
| Bread or table scraps | No | Not nutritionally balanced |
Do Lambs Need Supplements?
Lambs that are nursing healthy mothers on good pasture usually do not need supplements. The milk provides everything they need for the first few weeks. Once lambs start eating solid food, their diet may lack certain nutrients depending on the quality of the forage.
Some studies suggest that lambs raised on poor quality hay or overgrazed pasture benefit from supplemental selenium, vitamin E, or zinc. These deficiencies are more common in certain geographic areas. A veterinarian can test the soil or the animal’s blood to determine if supplementation is needed.
Salt and mineral blocks designed for sheep are a simple way to provide trace minerals. Make sure the block is labeled for sheep only. Do not use a block intended for multiple livestock species, as the copper content may be too high.
It is widely claimed that lambs need probiotics, though strong evidence is limited. Some farmers report better digestion and fewer scours when lambs are given probiotics during the transition to solid food. As of 2026, there is no clinical evidence that probiotics are necessary for healthy lambs on a balanced diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can lambs eat grass from day one?
No. Lambs cannot digest grass at birth. Their rumen is not developed. They need only milk for the first few weeks.
How much grain should a lamb eat per day?
Start with a small handful per lamb per day and increase gradually. By weaning age, a lamb may eat one to two pounds of grain daily depending on its size and growth rate.
Is it safe to feed lambs apples or carrots?
Small amounts of chopped apples or carrots are generally safe as treats. They should not replace the main diet. Too much fruit can cause bloating.
Do lambs need water if they drink milk?
Yes. Lambs need fresh water available at all times, even when they are nursing. Milk is food, not a substitute for water.
