The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Elissian on March 23, 2011, 01:01:41 pm

Title: Iodine
Post by: Elissian on March 23, 2011, 01:01:41 pm

I bought a new bottle of iodine to refill my spray gun but got it from a different shop. My original bottle says 10% iodene but the new one is 2.5% sound very weak to me. Can I use this on umbilicals or should i take it back and get something stronger. also someone recommended bactokil to me does anyone have a preference when spraying umbilicals?

Title: Re: Iodine
Post by: Rosemary on March 23, 2011, 01:13:02 pm

I've got 2.5% in a spray but I think I shoudl have 10%. I've also been told to dip not spray as it's more effective.

Title: Re: Iodine
Post by: Freddiesfarm on March 23, 2011, 01:20:03 pm

10% is best for navels etc

Title: Re: Iodine
Post by: ellisr on March 23, 2011, 01:21:52 pm

I use 10% and I dip as that is what grandad taught me

Title: Re: Iodine
Post by: SallyintNorth on March 23, 2011, 01:46:38 pm

Ours is 10% and that's what the vet supplies for lambing too.  It does sting the poor wee mites, though!  I have seen farmers dilute a strong iodine to around 2.5% but since I have found the 10% does the job I have been loathe to change.

I prefer to spray, BH dips.  Either way the important thing is to cover the whole cord, from belly button to the torn end, to stop infection getting in.

Title: Re: Iodine
Post by: supplies for smallholders on March 23, 2011, 07:23:59 pm

Hi,

The 2.5% is a general antiseptic for cuts, wounds etc.

The 10% is just more concentrated and more suited to Umbilicals as is the 5% spray

There is also available an aerosol spray specifically made for umbilicals, called, not surprisingly "Umbilical Spray"

Thanks

Title: Re: Iodine
Post by: TheCaptain on March 23, 2011, 09:05:50 pm

I use 10% iodine spray from mole valley but don't spray, use an old Oasis bottle for dipping the cord into and turning the lamb up a little to ensure it's all covered. Oasis bottle recommended by the big sheep farmers round my way!

Title: Re: Iodine
Post by: Elissian on March 23, 2011, 10:09:11 pm

Thanks for all the replies, i shall go back to mole valley and get more of my original 10% spray. I do thoroughly soak the full length of the unbilical when i spray and so far i've not had any problems. I'm a bit cac handed and i'm sure i'd get it everywhere if i dipped!

Title: Re: Iodine
Post by: Fleecewife on March 23, 2011, 11:45:31 pm

But that's the shepherd's badge of honour - fingers looking horribly nicotine stained  ;D ;D

We use 10% in a mint sauce jar  :o it does make a mess but you can be sure it has got absolutely everywhere - lamb, clothes, fingers - lovely stuff, great smell, saves lives  :)

Title: Re: Iodine
Post by: VSS on March 24, 2011, 12:15:28 pm

Quote from: Elissian on March 23, 2011, 01:01:41 pm

someone recommended bactokil to me does anyone have a preference when spraying umbilicals?

We use bactokill - it is excellent. It is not cheap, but I think it is better than iodine and much tidier. Also it doesn't smell as much which can be quite a consideration if you have ewea that might be a bit suspicious of thier lambs. It also has a multitude of other uses.

Title: Re: Iodine
Post by: VSS on March 24, 2011, 12:16:39 pm

Quote from: Fleecewife on March 23, 2011, 11:45:31 pm

But that's the shepherd's badge of honour - fingers looking horribly nicotine stained  ;D ;D

No, the secret code for shepherd is the ring of purple around the thumbnail.