How To Build A Lambar!

A Simple Multi-Nipple Milk Feeder for Bottle-Raised Kids

A lambar allows several goat kids to drink milk or milk replacer from the same container. It can greatly reduce bottle-feeding time, especially when raising several kids at once.

SUPPLIES YOU WILL NEED

• 1 clean bucket, cooler, or other food-safe container with a lid

• Caprine-style lambar nipples, one for each feeding position

• Food-grade flexible tubing that fits the nipples

• Electric drill

• 5/8-inch drill bit (for the style of nipple shown in these instructions; verify the hole size recommended for your particular nipples before drilling)

• Tape measure or ruler

• Marker

• Scissors or tubing cutter

• A secure stand, fence bracket, or other method for holding the lambar

• Milk or properly mixed kid milk replacer

STEP 1 — PLAN AND DRILL THE NIPPLE HOLES

Decide how many kids you want to be able to feed at one time.

Mark one location for each nipple around the side of the container.

Space the nipples at least 2 inches apart so the kids have enough room to nurse comfortably.

Using the drill and 5/8-inch drill bit, carefully drill a hole at each marked location.

Tip: Drill slowly and make clean holes. Remove any plastic shavings before assembling the feeder.

STEP 2 — INSTALL THE LAMBAR NIPPLES

Insert each lambar nipple from the inside of the container toward the outside.

Pull the nipple through the drilled hole until the nipple's retaining ridge is seated securely against the container.

Check each nipple to make sure it is firmly installed and will not easily pull back through the hole.

STEP 3 — MEASURE AND CUT THE TUBING

Measure from the inside end of each nipple to near the bottom of the container.

Cut one piece of food-grade tubing for each nipple.

The tubing should be long enough to reach close to the bottom so the kids can continue drawing milk as the milk level drops.

Do not make the tubing excessively long or allow it to kink.

STEP 4 — ATTACH THE TUBING

Push one end of each piece of tubing securely onto the inside portion of its nipple.

Allow the opposite end of the tubing to hang freely near the bottom of the container.

Each nipple should have its own individual pickup tube.

Important

The tubing belongs inside the lambar. There should not be plastic tubing hanging from the nipples on the outside where the kids drink.

STEP 5 — TEST YOUR LAMBAR

Before adding milk, wash and sanitize the entire feeder.

Add a small amount of clean water and test each nipple.

Check that:

• The nipples are secure.

• The tubing stays attached.

• The tubing reaches the liquid.

• The kids can create enough suction to draw liquid.

• No holes or nipple openings are leaking around the container.

Correct any problems before filling the feeder with milk.

STEP 6 — FILL AND SECURE THE LAMBAR

Fill the clean lambar with the appropriate amount of milk or properly prepared milk replacer.

Secure the lid.

Place the feeder in a sturdy holder or attach it securely to a fence at a comfortable nursing height for the kids.

The feeder should not tip, swing excessively, or be easily knocked over while several kids are nursing.

TEACHING KIDS TO USE THE LAMBAR

Kids accustomed to bottles may need help learning to use the feeder.

Let the kid suck on your clean finger, then gently guide its mouth onto the lambar nipple. You may need to repeat this several times.

Once one or two kids understand the system, other kids often learn by following them.

CLEANING IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT

Milk residue can quickly support bacterial growth.

After feeding:

1. Empty leftover milk according to your feeding and sanitation program.

2. Rinse the container, nipples, and tubing.

3. Thoroughly wash all milk-contact surfaces.

4. Sanitize using a product appropriate for dairy-feeding equipment.

5. Allow the equipment to drain and dry thoroughly.

6. Regularly inspect tubing and nipples and replace anything cracked, damaged, excessively worn, or difficult to clean.

Helpful Cleaning Tip

Because milk travels through the tubing, pay special attention to the inside of every tube. A feeder that looks clean on the outside may still contain milk residue inside the lines.

BASIC LAMBAR LAYOUT

OUTSIDE — where the kid drinks

Kid → Lambar Nipple → Container Wall

INSIDE THE CONTAINER

Lambar Nipple → Food-Grade Tubing → Milk

The open end of the tubing remains near the bottom of the milk reservoir.

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTES

Use only food-safe containers and tubing for feeding milk. Keep the feeder clean and inspect it before every use.

Make sure the lambar is securely mounted so enthusiastic kids cannot knock it over or become caught in the equipment.

Follow your veterinarian's or herd nutritionist's recommendations for milk type, feeding quantity, feeding frequency, and kid health management.

QUICK BUILD SUMMARY

Measure → Mark → Drill 5/8" holes → Install nipples → Cut tubing → Attach tubing inside → Test → Sanitize → Add milk → Secure feeder → Feed kids

Fresh Coat for Your Goat.

• 1 Part Arrowroot Powder: Silky base that absorbs sweat and rain moisture.

• 1 Part Calcium Bentonite Clay: Soothes irritated skin. Ensure it is food-grade, as goats lick themselves and each other.

• Essential Oil Selection: We use doTERRA essential oils

◦ Lavender: Best choice. It is calming, safe for skin, and naturally deters pests.

Preparing the Dusting Powder

1 Avoid Metal: Use a glass, ceramic, or wooden bowl and spoon. Bentonite clay loses its drawing power and effectiveness if it comes into contact with metal.

2 Blend the Powders: Thoroughly mix your 1:1 ratio of arrowroot and clay.

3 Incorporate the Oil: Drop the essential oil directly into the powder. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon or fork until the oil clumps disappear and the scent is uniform.

4 Container Choice: Pour the mix into a shaker jar or a large crew sock tied off with a rubber band. The sock method is a popular livestock trick that prevents giant clouds of airborne dust.

Application Tips for Goats

• Watch the Wind: Never apply this in a windy area or a tightly enclosed stall. Inhaling fine powders can cause respiratory distress or pneumonia in goats.

• Target Zones: Tap the shaker or sock along the backbone, behind the shoulders, and down the neck. Avoid the face, eyes, and muzzle entirely.

• Rub It In: Work your fingers down through the hair coat to massage the powder directly onto the skin.

• Milking Precaution: If you are applying this to dairy goats, do not apply it to the udder or underline, and always apply it immediately after milking, never before.

We do use this on our own herd, and this recipe was shared with us from another herd/great friends.

Disclaimer & Waiver of Liability

Please Read Carefully Before Mixing or Applying:
By using this homemade recipe, you acknowledge and agree that this is a DIY, home-remedy formula, not a veterinary-prescribed medical treatment. The creator of this recipe assumes no liability or responsibility for any injury, illness, allergic reaction, adverse side effects, or respiratory distress that may occur in your livestock, pets, or handlers as a result of making, storing, or using this powder.

Livestock species and individual animals can vary widely in their sensitivities to raw ingredients and essential oils. Always test a small patch of skin first, consult a veterinarian prior to use, and immediately discontinue use if any sign of irritation or distress appears. Use entirely at your own risk.

When Winters Are Here Fix Goat Treats!!!

Goats are known for their love of treats, and our goats are no exception. We provide them with a variety of delectable treats, including apple peels, bananas, and watermelon rinds. This recipe is particularly popular among our goats.

One advantageous aspect of this recipe is its flexibility in incorporating a diverse range of safe and nutritious foods for goats, including dried or chopped fruits, honey, various types of seeds, and spices that contribute to their overall well-being. It is important to note that this is a treat containing flour, which can be difficult for the goat’s digestive system to process in excess. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise daily moderation when providing these treats.

• Ingredients:

• 1 cup of rolled oats

• 1 cup of sunflower seeds (BOSS) or any substitute

• 1 cup of whole wheat flour

• ¼ cup molasses or honey

• 2 Decent spoons of peanut butter

• 1 Vitamin E Softgel (poke holes in the softgel squeeze out)

• ¼ cup of water

• Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350°.

• Mix flour, oats, and seeds or fruit.

• Mix peanut butter and molasses or honey.

• Slowly add water until the batter is a crumbly paste.

• Make batter into small balls and press down into a cookie shape.

• Bake for 25 minutes, but adjust the time based on the size of the cookies.