The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: shrekfeet on January 20, 2009, 09:19:26 pm

Title: DEFRA rules on sheep
Post by: shrekfeet on January 20, 2009, 09:19:26 pm

Hi I'm close to getting my first sheep and wonder if someone can give me guidance on what regulations I must comply with please

Title: Re: DEFRA rules on sheep
Post by: Rosemary on January 20, 2009, 09:56:52 pm

You'll need a CPH (County Parish Holding) number and a Flock number - both from Rural Payments Agency, I think.

A medicine book to record any medicines you give them. You can get this from your local agricultural store.

A book of movement licences - in Scotland they come from SAMU, contact your local Animal Health office for information.

There are regs on tagging and identification that I can't put my hand on.

I'm sure others will have more... (regretably)

Title: Re: DEFRA rules on sheep
Post by: Julie S on January 26, 2009, 05:54:37 am

If you have time to spare and plenty of patience then try trawling the DEFRA website www defra.gov.uk - follow links for animal health and welfare then look at the links for stuff like movements and ID.

Rosemary has given you the basics - tagging rules keep changing so best check on DEFRA for the latest advice.
As long as you have a CPH number, keep records of every sheep moved onto / off your holding, keep records of every medicine administered to them, and ensure that each sheep is properly tagged then you won't go far wrong.

How many sheep are you getting BTW? And what breed - I'm just being nosey here ;D