The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Declan on September 26, 2009, 09:50:16 pm

Title: Where to start with worming etc
Post by: Declan on September 26, 2009, 09:50:16 pm

Hi, I've just taken possession of 3 Zwartable ewe lambs-they are about 7 months old and are to be kept initially as pets on an acre field and possibly some breeding if put to the ram in 12 months time. I bought them out of the fram week paper from a lady who was big into pure bred sheep goats. When I went to collect them she wasn't there- she had gone into labour!!!(Tuesday past) anyway I got the lambs home. They seem very content if not a little wary of me but i bought some feed and am making progress with them coming up to me and feeding from the bucket.  As I dont know their history of worming and any issues they might have had can anyone advise me on what I should do with regards to worming etc.. Should I not worm them now and know where I stand with my regime of looking after them Any help would be much appreciated.   

Title: Re: Where to start with worming etc
Post by: supplies for smallholders on October 10, 2009, 07:37:31 pm

Hi,

Before you put them out to pasture WORM THEM! if you dont know their history - even if you have been told that they have been wormed.

The last thing you want is to get worms on the pasture.

Also try to strip graze them if you can - to give areas chance to rest.

If you are organic use Verme X, if not use something like panacur as an oral drench or to be totally sure use something like noramectin injections.

Hope this helps.

Thanks
Gareth (SfS)
www.suppliesforsmallholders,co.uk

Title: Re: Where to start with worming etc
Post by: woollyval on October 10, 2009, 08:08:50 pm

Urm....I hate to be contantious but actually you are allowed to worm your sheep if organic.....
Its just the choice of wormer that is limited and the use has to be strictly conrolled!

Best to get a dung sample tested, and ask previous owner for history.....do not just use wormer 'in case' as this sort of use has been known to cause resistance!!!

Also want to point out that noromectin is not effective against any stage of fluke and is a bit of an overkill being used in a just in case senario! Also as its withdrawl is nearly 7 weeks I would personally not use it for any lambs!!!

Title: Re: Where to start with worming etc
Post by: Declan on October 16, 2009, 11:19:09 pm

Thanks for that folks.

I might try the dung sample route first- thats a job for the vet I assume?