The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: dizzykizzy on February 24, 2015, 06:11:07 pm

Title: Sheep looking poor
Post by: dizzykizzy on February 24, 2015, 06:11:07 pm

We have an 8 year old Ryeland Wether who is looking rough this winter. His sisters that arrived at the same time are all looking fine. Is it likely to be old age or should I be getting the vet?
He is sitting on his own a lot in the shelter and only comes out really for his biscuits, doesn't seem to be much wrong with his appetite but I have noticed his hip bones and his spine to an extent are sticking out so he has lost a lot of weight as he used to be round. He also seems to be losing bits of his fleece, not seen him rubbing but he has a bald patch on his chest and stray bits of straggly wool all over him.
I've brought him in to a stable today so I can watch him but can anyone offer any advice please?

Title: Re: Sheep looking poor
Post by: shep53 on February 24, 2015, 06:46:47 pm

Could you take him to see the vet , cheaper than a callout , could be anything  teeth / lice / scab / worms / fluke/ heart / etc   pointless guessing

Title: Re: Sheep looking poor
Post by: Melmarsh on February 24, 2015, 07:15:07 pm

I agree best ask a professional than  sit and guess while he deteriorates. There are too many things it could be and by the time these posts go back and forth you could have a diagnosis and be treating him . :thinking:

Title: Re: Sheep looking poor
Post by: SallyintNorth on February 24, 2015, 08:32:19 pm

Absolutely, take him to the vet.  My money's on teeth ;)

Title: Re: Sheep looking poor
Post by: Melmarsh on February 26, 2015, 06:48:23 pm

Hi just wondered if you had any news about your boy ??? :thinking: