Short answer
No farms in Nelson are currently listed as offering bottle feeding lambs. Browse all Nelson farms or find this activity elsewhere in NZ.
Bottle Feeding Lambs is one of NZ's most evocative farm activities, and Nelson offers it across working farms and rural retreats. Bottle feeding orphan lambs (called pet lambs or poddy lambs) is one of the most popular farm stay activities, especially for families. During lambing season, ewes sometimes reject
No Nelson farms currently list bottle feeding lambs as an offered activity. Two options:
About bottle feeding lambs
Pet lamb feeding typically happens at set times, often morning and evening. You'll be given bottles of specially formulated milk and shown the correct technique - it's about the angle and letting the lamb set the pace. Lambs are enthusiastic feeders and the experience is genuinely joyful. Many farms also have other baby animals to feed including calves, kid goats, and piglets. Expect warm, woolly cuddles and photo opportunities.
What to bring
- ✓Old clothes (milk spills happen)
- ✓Gumboots or enclosed shoes
- ✓Camera ready for cute photos
- ✓Hand sanitiser
FAQs
When is lambing season?
Main lambing season in New Zealand runs from August to October. Pet lambs are usually available from late August through November, with fewer available outside these months.
Can we adopt a pet lamb?
This is occasionally possible at some farms, but lambs need specialised care and 3-4 daily feeds initially. Most farms prefer to raise them to weaning before rehoming.
What happens to pet lambs when they grow up?
Pet lambs usually join the main flock when weaned, though some become farm pets. They often remain tamer than other sheep throughout their lives.
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