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:
Empty leftover milk according to your feeding and sanitation program.
Rinse the container, nipples, and tubing.
Thoroughly wash all milk-contact surfaces.
Sanitize using a product appropriate for dairy-feeding equipment.
Allow the equipment to drain and dry thoroughly.
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
