The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: NZelmo on June 25, 2013, 07:35:41 am

Title: Introducing new lambs to existing stock
Post by: NZelmo on June 25, 2013, 07:35:41 am
Hello,

As the title suggests we are about to introduce new lambs to our existing stock.  I appreciate we need to keep them separate for a week or two, (is that right?) but how long should the land be ungrazed until they join it?

Many thanks Em :sheep:
Title: Re: Introducing new lambs to existing stock
Post by: shep53 on June 25, 2013, 07:02:19 pm
 THE reason you should keep new stock separate is to try and stop any transfer of parasites/disease . Ideally new  sheep should be wormed/ fluked  scab prevention before leaving the sellers property , so allowing  time to work while the sheep are traveling , then on arrival  wormed  again with a different wormer group, treated for lice/keds/ticks and kept on concrete or in a shed for  24 hrs , then any bedding burned . the sheep can then go out into a totally seperate field ( no contact at all even through a wire fence ) for at least 2 wks ideally 4wks , and remember your clothes boots can transfer as well . Sorry don't understand the land question ??
Title: Re: Introducing new lambs to existing stock
Post by: NZelmo on June 25, 2013, 10:19:18 pm
Thank you.  We can certainly do that.

We have a couple of fields and wanted to know how long we need to leave one without our existing flock on, before  the new flock arrives?

Many thanks
Title: Re: Introducing new lambs to existing stock
Post by: shep53 on June 26, 2013, 06:41:41 pm
What ever problems your existing sheep have footrot/worms etc will eventually be passed on to the new sheep upon mixing or grazing your land so no worries about trying to rest the ground :sheep: