The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: EP90 on September 02, 2013, 04:17:03 pm

Title: What size trailer for transporting two sheep?
Post by: EP90 on September 02, 2013, 04:17:03 pm

By the end of the month I need to transport  two 6 month old rams (no horns) to an abattoir 20miles away.  I can borrow a 6 x 4trailer that has a removable partition to reduce the area to 3 x 4.  Is it better to use the full 6 x 4 or will using the 3 x 4 section offer more protection & stability for the journey?
This will be my first trip so would like to do the best for the lads.

Title: Re: What size trailer for transporting two sheep?
Post by: Foobar on September 02, 2013, 04:21:47 pm

It depends how big they are :).
Probably with the partition will be best, try it for size on the day.
As long as you aren't driving like a maniac then either should be fine. :)

Title: Re: What size trailer for transporting two sheep?
Post by: Bionic on September 02, 2013, 04:35:59 pm

We took 2 recently in a 6 x 4 and used a partition. It worked well

Title: Re: What size trailer for transporting two sheep?
Post by: Fleecewife on September 02, 2013, 04:57:37 pm

They usually lie down once you set off anyway.

Title: Re: What size trailer for transporting two sheep?
Post by: Tim W on September 02, 2013, 10:29:39 pm

I have been known to get 4 ewes in the back of my Peugeot 206 hatchback----cheaper on fuel but i'm not sure what any vet at the abattoir would think?

Title: Re: What size trailer for transporting two sheep?
Post by: smallflockshearing on September 03, 2013, 08:28:41 am

Regs are at https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/69423/pb12544f-transport-sheep.pdf. (https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/69423/pb12544f-transport-sheep.pdf.)  You probably need 0.3 sq m per lamb.  They need to be transported in a way "not likely to cause them injury or undue suffering", so maybe Tim needs to make sure that his Peugeot has got a good sound system tuned to Radio 4.

Title: Re: What size trailer for transporting two sheep?
Post by: lachlanandmarcus on September 03, 2013, 10:02:08 am

Quote from: smallflockshearing on September 03, 2013, 08:28:41 am

Regs are at https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/69423/pb12544f-transport-sheep.pdf. (https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/69423/pb12544f-transport-sheep.pdf.)  You probably need 0.3 sq m per lamb.  They need to be transported in a way "not likely to cause them injury or undue suffering", so maybe Tim needs to make sure that his Peugeot has got a good sound system tuned to Radio 4.

 :roflanim: :roflanim: :roflanim:

Title: Re: What size trailer for transporting two sheep?
Post by: EP90 on September 03, 2013, 03:33:23 pm

Quote from: Bionic on September 02, 2013, 04:35:59 pm

We took 2 recently in a 6 x 4 and used a partition. It worked well

Hi Bionic, did you put both sheep into a partition of 3 x 4 or one sheep in each partition?
I was thinking as Foobar suggested both sheep in one partition,  it would be a snug fit and maybe less likely to roll around!  Nice to hear they settle and lie down.

Title: Re: What size trailer for transporting two sheep?
Post by: mowhaugh on September 03, 2013, 09:16:39 pm

I would put the partition in and put them both in the front.

Title: Re: What size trailer for transporting two sheep?
Post by: EP90 on September 04, 2013, 12:07:45 pm

Thanks for all the advice. Partition it is.