The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Declan on November 24, 2009, 11:46:32 pm
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I am looking for a sheep turnover crate. I am based in Northern Ireland so that might limit my chances. Prices for a new one is anything from £600 which I think is a bit on the steep side. Can anybody help? or suggest a practical alternative.
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have a look at farm sales. i would love one but not at that price.
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I'd love one too.
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This is a cheaper alternative for foot trimming if you are young and fit enough for dances-with-sheep!
http://www.premier1supplies.com/detail.php?prod_id=86&cat_id=4
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Although the sheep deck chair is useful, you still have to wrestle with the sheep to get them into it. Which can be a problem if you're trying to trim feet/give treatment with no help. Especially if, like me, you're only 5' tall!! I acquired a deck chair 'type' contraption some months ago, and found it more difficult than trying to manage without one, purely because I couldn't lift the sheep into it! (Perhaps I was doing it wrong). I suppose if you've no problem with lifting the sheep into the chair in the first place then its useful for keeping them still.
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I managed to get a turnover crate in fairly good condition for £150, so they do exist if you keep your eyes open.
I also have a sheep deckchair, but as morri2 says, they're not easy to use single handed.
This is one reason why I decided to stick to small sheep, Soays & Hebrideans!
John
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I would not personally invest in a deckchair, though they might be useful for rams, for doing their feet and applying raddle. I would think you would want to get the sheep crammed up whilst you are trying to get them into the chair.
If I wanted a tipping crate I would probably make one. If you look at one and make a few sketches and measurements I think it shouldn't be difficult if you can weld or even get someone to weld it for you.
I know an old man who has about 100 ewes which he shears himself using a tipping crate. He does about 3 or 4 in an afternoon whilst listening to the radio. Then tomorrow afternoon he will do 3 or 4 more if he's in the mood. It takes him about a month to shear them all and they wouldn't win prizes, but what the hay. :)
The hardest trick to shearing is holding the sheep I think. He uses electric shears, the type with the motor in the handset.
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Hi Declan
I know of a turnover crate for sale in Ayrshire It's made by Ironworks of Devon, fully adjustable, as new condition, for sale at £550 ovno I'm sure you could get that down a bit If you're interested pm me and I'll pass on the phone number
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Thanks all. Local dealer has that Iron Works one for £585 so if all else fails I'll save up and give it a go.- probably get more sheep to justify the purchase!!!
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My turnover crate is also an Ironworks one, and still has the transfers on it.
I know it was a good buy at £150, and might have paid twice that, but £585 seems a bit steep.
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Have a look at the Prattley mobile systems - you could hire it out to neighbouring smallholders!
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thats a very good idea.
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Hi,
Fergie - you say you got an Iron Works turnover crate for £150??? How long ago was that? ;)
I too would love a turnover crate but I can't justify the expense based on the prices that I have seen.
Richard.
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Hi,
Fergie - you say you got an Iron Works turnover crate for £150??? How long ago was that? ;)
I too would love a turnover crate but I can't justify the expense based on the prices that I have seen.
Richard.
Hi Richard,
it was only about six months ago, on ebay with a "Buy it Now" option. Unfortunately, it was someone selling his deceased father's equipment. As I said, I would have paid twice that, so it was a case of a quick response as soon as I saw the advert.
John
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Hi just looking through ebay, and found this: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SHEEP-TURNOVER-CRATE_W0QQitemZ230425344304QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_BOI_FarmingEquipment_RL?hash=item35a66bb930 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SHEEP-TURNOVER-CRATE_W0QQitemZ230425344304QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_BOI_FarmingEquipment_RL?hash=item35a66bb930) No. good for me - far too far away, but maybe someone else might take a look?
Richard.
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Hi All.
I produce a sheep 'deckchair' - in three sizes and two colours.
Buy through ebay http://shop.ebay.co.uk/motfailure/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25 (http://shop.ebay.co.uk/motfailure/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25)
Or visit my website: http://www.sheepeasy.co.uk (http://www.sheepeasy.co.uk) (still under construction but functioning)
Small chairs start at £49.99.
Any questions?
I Griffiths