The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: pharnorth on March 07, 2016, 08:01:17 pm

Title: Weighing sheep
Post by: pharnorth on March 07, 2016, 08:01:17 pm

Any advice on a reasonable make of sheep weigh crate also suitable for pigs?  Not too expensive.

Title: Re: Weighing sheep
Post by: Tim W on March 08, 2016, 07:15:29 am

Brand new ---£450 to £650 IAE or Ritchie etc

Cheap? Look for 2nd hand or use a ''weightape''

Title: Re: Weighing sheep
Post by: shotblastuk on March 08, 2016, 07:42:16 am

There seems to be quite a few for sale second hand, most are suitable for both sheep and pigs.

Title: Re: Weighing sheep
Post by: mowhaugh on March 08, 2016, 04:39:37 pm

This is probably not very helpful, as it was NOT cheap, but I use a Shearwell crate which links to my handheld computer, and it is excellent. Also automatically drafts animals based on what it finds as they come through.

Title: Re: Weighing sheep
Post by: Sbom on March 08, 2016, 05:44:43 pm

Quote from: mowhaugh on March 08, 2016, 04:39:37 pm

This is probably not very helpful, as it was NOT cheap, but I use a Shearwell crate which links to my handheld computer, and it is excellent. Also automatically drafts animals based on what it finds as they come through.

Jealous  :love:

Title: Re: Weighing sheep
Post by: Womble on March 08, 2016, 06:59:20 pm

For cheap, make a small wooden pen with three or four legs, then balance it on top of three or four sets of bathroom scales.  I've thought about doing it for a while..... I'm just too tight to buy more bathroom scales!  :)

Title: Re: Weighing sheep
Post by: pharnorth on March 08, 2016, 08:06:40 pm

Thanks for your comments and advice.  I have concluded Womble that you are the master of innovation and your skills are beyond mine and much as I would like mowhaughs automated solution my small herd of goats and pigs and flock of sheep don't take much drafting. So I've gone for a second hand one on e bay at £185 it sounds good value and I have had stuff off the vendor before so the quality should be ok.  Next to find if my 'guess the weight' has been anything close to correct!