The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Newtosheep on May 18, 2021, 10:21:23 pm

Title: How often should i worm/give cobalt drench to my sheep
Post by: Newtosheep on May 18, 2021, 10:21:23 pm

Thanks for the help  :sheep:

Title: Re: How often should i worm/give cobalt drench to my sheep
Post by: twizzel on May 18, 2021, 10:46:52 pm

Only when a faecal egg count tells you they need worming. My lambs are 12ish weeks old now and last week their egg count showed zero worm eggs.


My ewe hogs born last year had 1 dose of wormer in the spring and 1 in autumn when their egg counts were high. A worm egg count last week was clear.  My breeding ewes get wormed at lambing BUT those with singles are left untreated, as are some in good condition with twins on them.  I’ve never needed to give a cobalt drench to sheep- I guess you need to diagnose a deficiency first.


As with anything get advice off your vet before treating with anything.

Title: Re: How often should i worm/give cobalt drench to my sheep
Post by: SallyintNorth on May 19, 2021, 10:48:23 am

Fleeces will also tell you when cobalt is an issue.  If the fleeces are tender when you shear, then there is likely to be a cobalt deficiency. 

Our sheep now get an annual mineral drench, which I do after tupping.  One or two drenches annually of a good chelated drench will do far more good than more frequent drenching with a cheaper, non-chelated drench.

Like many on this forum, I now use JG Animal Health.  Linky (https://www.jganimalhealth.co.uk/).  If you are in the north of England or southwest Scotland, Carrs' Ovithrive is much the same.

Title: Re: How often should i worm/give cobalt drench to my sheep
Post by: shep53 on May 20, 2021, 04:53:06 pm

FEC to know when to worm and blood / soil / forage testing to look for any min / vit deficiency , if you have cobolt deficiency then you will have big problems  ( pine )