The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: crobertson on March 01, 2016, 07:30:50 pm

Title: Sudden diarrhoea in sheep - what to do ???
Post by: crobertson on March 01, 2016, 07:30:50 pm
Our 6 ewes are very happy, healthy and up to date on all worming, vaccination etc However all 6 of the have suddenly developed diarrhoea (didn't have it this morning)! Nothing has changed in their feeding habits, they have an energy bucket introduced two weeks ago but have been getting on fine with it. The only thing I can think of is last night they managed to move some hurdles and eat about 1/4 of a bag of sheep pellets (lucky I noticed and moved it).
Have they just over indulged ??? I wouldn't have thought 1/4 bag of pellets between 6 would upset them much ?

Thanks !!
Title: Re: Sudden diarrhoea in sheep - what to do ???
Post by: verdifish on March 01, 2016, 07:34:03 pm
Call the vet! 
Title: Re: Sudden diarrhoea in sheep - what to do ???
Post by: goosepimple on March 01, 2016, 07:36:49 pm
Sheep can get the skits if they eat too much so it might just be that, check they're not getting to some plant or other they might not like (laurel, shiny leaved plants) or something that has blown in from a neighbouring area.  I wouldn't act too soon, if they look ok I'd give them 24 hours, if they look poorly, dull eyed then it's more serious.

I have read on here that some shepherds give kaolin & morphine (from your local pharmacy) just to tighten them up a bit, but I reckon it's always best to skit it out rather than keep the bugs in the system.  Let us know how you go C and well done on spelling diarrhoea, would have had to look that one up myself...
Title: Re: Sudden diarrhoea in sheep - what to do ???
Post by: TheSmilingSheep on March 01, 2016, 07:46:02 pm
Last week we kept three sheep in a field shelter for a couple of days, whilst one ewe sorted out a mud impacted foot... Since they're all pregnant (due late April) we gave them some extra nuts, along with ad lib hay, and a couple had runny bums within 12 hours.  We stopped the extra 'treats' and all fine...  So, hopefully, it was indeed just the bag binge!
Title: Re: Sudden diarrhoea in sheep - what to do ???
Post by: crobertson on March 01, 2016, 08:01:08 pm
I'm hoping so - texels are greedy buggers ! They seem fine in themselves, ran across the field to me etc eating hay so I shall keep an eye on them !  They are ewe lambs so none are carrying lambs which is a plus.
Title: Re: Sudden diarrhoea in sheep - what to do ???
Post by: shep53 on March 01, 2016, 08:20:21 pm
1/4 of a bag between 6 is 1 kg each , would be surprised if they didn't have the runs