The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: OhLaLa on August 18, 2014, 11:26:50 am

Title: Decision time - mastitis ewe
Post by: OhLaLa on August 18, 2014, 11:26:50 am
The ewe in question had mastitis back in the spring. All was dealt with at the time, vet in etc.

Subsequently, she has a hard (egg ish sized) lump on one side.

She lambed fine (a single) last year (her first) and was a good mom, twins this year (mastitis/rejected).

Unsure as to how to proceed with her.

Info/opinions appreciated from those who have been in this position please.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Decision time - mastitis ewe
Post by: twizzel on August 18, 2014, 11:33:43 am
I guess you have to weigh up whether hand rearing 1 if not both of her subsequent lambs is worth it- I suspect not and will be more trouble than it's worth so would probably send her on her ways.
Title: Re: Decision time - mastitis ewe
Post by: shep53 on August 18, 2014, 12:37:09 pm
 I wouldn't consider keeping , but I understand as a small flock you can devote more time to an individual than I can , so lets consider potentials  .  She might have  a single and so long as you make sure its suckled the good side all will be ok and the lamb will thrive  ( many single lambs only suckle one side  )      She may have twins or triplets  , you will need to give all colostrum to be sure  and then leave only one on her so either foster or pets .     Your  decision  :thinking:
Title: Re: Decision time - mastitis ewe
Post by: suziequeue on August 18, 2014, 01:11:55 pm
We are sending our one titted ewe to the cull ewe market this year. She had a single this year but has had twins in the past. She is a pudding and has a slightly pissy tail so she will have to go. Downside is that she's a friendly girl, has good leadership qualities and all her own teeth
Title: Re: Decision time - mastitis ewe
Post by: Marches Farmer on August 18, 2014, 01:22:45 pm
If she succumbed to mastitis on one side this year, what are the odds she'll get it in the other half next year?  If you want to keep her as a pet that's one set of things to consider, but if you're thinking of putting her in lamb again there are others.
Title: Re: Decision time - mastitis ewe
Post by: shep53 on August 18, 2014, 06:07:55 pm
. Downside is that she's a friendly girl, has good leadership qualities and all her own teeth
      Just confirming were still talking about the sheep :-J
Title: Re: Decision time - mastitis ewe
Post by: OhLaLa on August 18, 2014, 06:17:02 pm
. Downside is that she's a friendly girl, has good leadership qualities and all her own teeth
      Just confirming were still talking about the sheep :-J

 :D

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Thanks everyone for taking the time to respond, as I thought, but thought it worth double checking.