Author Topic: Putting Sheep onto long grass (Read 14364 times)

Simon O · « **on:** August 03, 2012, 09:14:25 am »

New sheep keeper (

), getting Kerry Hill sheep shortly. My grass is long - is it a very bad idea to put the sheep onto long grass ?scald.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Simon

Moleskins · « **Reply #1 on:** August 03, 2012, 09:21:40 am »

My advice would be to get two things
a topper to get the grass down a bit, but it does depend on how long it is. Scald isn't an horrendous problem.
The second thing to get would be binoculars so you can see your sheep. Kerry Hills are know for running to the other side of the field when you walk in the gate.
Lovely sheep though.

Foobar · « **Reply #2 on:** August 03, 2012, 09:44:42 am »

The trouble is, at the moment it's just so wet everywhere, so under all that long grass will be a nice wet'n'warm environment where nasty footrot bacteria will lie. So yes, you will get scald, but it is more likely to turn into footrot. So...

If you can get it topped do so.

Or

Strip graze it with some electric fence. This will minimise them walking through the long grass. Also, they will graze it more efficiently and less will get wasted due to "trampling". Move the fence a little twice a day, the more often you move it the less likely they will try to jump the fence.

Womble · « **Reply #3 on:** August 03, 2012, 10:58:43 am »

What's scald then?

woollyval · « **Reply #4 on:** August 03, 2012, 10:58:54 am »

Sheep will cope whatever the length, just keep an eye on them for problems. Not all of us can top grass due to the ground conditions...eg trees/steep slopes/ etc or lack of equipment or contractors willing to do it without charging a small fortune! You just have to cope and manage with what you have sometimes

woollyval · « **Reply #5 on:** August 03, 2012, 11:01:10 am »

Quote from: Womble on August 03, 2012, 10:58:43 am

What's scald then?

Its clled 'strip' down here in the west and its a fungal infection a bit like athletes foot and occurs between the 2 parts of the cloven hoof. Its very painful and needs urgent treatment with antibiotic spray to all 4 feet and left untreated can progress on to foot rot.

Castle Farm · « **Reply #6 on:** August 03, 2012, 03:15:19 pm »

As long as the sheep are settled and not being 'put up' all the time they should be fine.

Scaled happens when the shaft of grass cuts up between the clease (hoofs) and makes them sore.

plumseverywhere · « **Reply #7 on:** August 03, 2012, 04:20:32 pm »

Mine are always on long grass due to environmental reasons (VERY steep hill and when we tried to top it the machine slid down the hill!) we do however strim a path through and around the orchard and a main path to get to it. They are on about 3 acres and they do tend to stick to this strimmed path.
We've had no scald and I'm checking regularly. I did get scald on 2 goats though.

Bionic · « **Reply #8 on:** August 03, 2012, 06:51:14 pm »

Mine are on a mix of long and strimmed grass. Can't top because its too hilly and stoney.
As we had some better weather last week more of the grass has been strimmed but they did seem to be enjoying hiding in the long grass prior to that. We didn't have any scald
Sally

SteveHants · « **Reply #9 on:** August 03, 2012, 11:50:51 pm »

I've put sheep on long grass with no ill effects plenty of times, if they are prone to scald/rot, they are prone to it - footvax em or cull em.

am produce · « **Reply #10 on:** August 05, 2012, 07:05:02 pm »

I have a very overgrown field we have only just acquired it from the council should i cut it down abit before i allow any sheep on he field

Herdygirl · « **Reply #11 on:** August 05, 2012, 09:17:15 pm »

Get down to your local feed merchant, there will be adverts on the board for contractors, or ask the feed merchants, he knows what people do in the area, get a few numbers and get prices for topping your field. you should be quoted so much per acre, we pay no more than £20 per acre but it may well be different where you live.

give it a week or so then put on sheep. better still, seeing as it's a council field, fence it... then put on sheep!

Simon O · « **Reply #12 on:** August 06, 2012, 08:52:17 am »

Thanks all for your advice very helpful replies
simon

katyd1991 · « **Reply #13 on:** August 06, 2012, 05:59:43 pm »

Depending on the length of grass you may get scould.
also i would ensure you dag your sheep as you my find that the grass is too "rich" for them and therefore causing a dirty behind.