The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: cairnhill on April 19, 2010, 09:46:16 pm

Title: Scratching sheep
Post by: cairnhill on April 19, 2010, 09:46:16 pm
Probably a silly question but my husband thinks that our sheep have been scratching a lot lately.   Is this normal or should I treat for infestation?  My friend has recommended Coopers Spot On but it is very expensive and I am not sure if it is safe to use around very young lambs and pregnant ewes.
Title: Re: Scratching sheep
Post by: Freddiesfarm on April 19, 2010, 10:30:09 pm
It is probably worth having a good look at the sheep and their fleeces.  Are they losing lots of fleece or just rubbing particular areas?   

If your sheep have scab then spot on would not work anyway.  I always used to use spot on but I find you get a better (wider) application and therefore protection from something like crovect which covers more things than spot on.

It could simply be that with the warmer weather the sheep are having a bit of an itch - imagine if you were still in your thermals in this lovely sunshine! ;D