The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Hevxxx99 on July 18, 2013, 04:37:22 pm

Title: Poorly sheep
Post by: Hevxxx99 on July 18, 2013, 04:37:22 pm
I have a wether hog who is depressed, panting and seems to be failing to bring up cud, though wind comes up and he either tries chewing that or is grinding his teeth.  He is't grazing, but eats small numbers of stock nuts hungrily when hand fed.  He doesn't seem very bloated, though they're all well covered atm and does have a round but not taut belly.  His waterworks are fine and his poo is normal. 

He is on grass, in a field he has been in for a year now, but there is a large amount of clover.  The grass is quite poor and has had no chemicals on it.  He has shade and water and is getting a small number of stock nuts daily.

Any ideas?  He's been off colour for two days, since we sheared him...
Title: Re: Poorly sheep
Post by: shep53 on July 18, 2013, 06:27:59 pm
Sounds like a job for the vet, did he struggle and twist while being sheared ??
Title: Re: Poorly sheep
Post by: Hevxxx99 on July 18, 2013, 08:04:59 pm
He did struggle a fair bit, yes.  He's a pet lamb and rather arrogant.  I think he resented the handling.
Title: Re: Poorly sheep
Post by: Hevxxx99 on July 19, 2013, 12:55:26 pm
FYI
He is much better today.  It isn't as hot, so maybe he was just feeling under the weather!  :sunshine:
Title: Re: Poorly sheep
Post by: Pedwardine on July 19, 2013, 01:33:25 pm
I was wondering if it was a touch of heatstroke...
Title: Re: Poorly sheep
Post by: Granny A on July 21, 2013, 11:20:52 am
Give him live yoghurt which will stimulate the gut flora. It may help and certainly wont do him any harm. Some sheep get stressed by being shorn and it takes them a while to get used to the idea of losing there woolly sweaters.
Title: Re: Poorly sheep
Post by: Hevxxx99 on July 21, 2013, 06:42:14 pm
I can imagine I might end up wearing the yoghurt...  :raining:  Is there a recommended method of getting it into him?  He is getting back to his usual bolshy self now, although I think he's taking more power naps than normal!
Title: Re: Poorly sheep
Post by: shygirl on July 21, 2013, 07:57:04 pm
water it down a bit and put in a syringe and squirt in his mouth / throat.