The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: FarmerJase on July 11, 2013, 08:33:54 pm

Title: Weighing Lambs
Post by: FarmerJase on July 11, 2013, 08:33:54 pm

Hi does anyone know of a cheap alternative to weighing lambs than using the commercial crates/cages please? Ta.

Title: Re: Weighing Lambs
Post by: Fleecewife on July 11, 2013, 10:13:50 pm

We don't weigh ours often and we don't have a large flock, so we use a spring balance.  I think it weighs up to 100kgs.  They're not cheap but are a lot cheaper than a crate (ours was free  :) ).  We made a couple of A frames plus a crossbar to hang the scales from, then hang the sheep in a sling.  I have a pic if you're interested.  Wouldn't work with commercial-sized sheep as you have to lift the sheep to hook on the sling.
 
I've seen folk with mobile crates who go round weighing flocks - or at least I think that's what they're for.

Title: Re: Weighing Lambs
Post by: FarmerJase on July 12, 2013, 02:38:32 pm

Thanks Fleecewife, that sounds like a great idea!  ;)

Title: Re: Weighing Lambs
Post by: Bionic on July 12, 2013, 03:52:33 pm

If you haven't got too many and they aren't that big then get on the bathroom scales with them. Cheapest way to do it

Title: Re: Weighing Lambs
Post by: Herdygirl on July 14, 2013, 08:24:53 pm

Quote from: Bionic on July 12, 2013, 03:52:33 pm

If you haven't got too many and they aren't that big then get on the bathroom scales with them. Cheapest way to do it

lol thats what it do,i stand on the scales and OH puts lamb in my arms!  i nearly fell over last week!  :roflanim: