The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: JMB on March 14, 2016, 08:29:06 pm
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Hello.
Having adopted 2 ryeland sheep I'm finding dagging time consuming and they keep sitting down.
I'm looking for advice on a cheap way to keep them standing up.
Any ideas?
I've seen harnesses but not sure if this would work.
Any advice gratefully received.
Thank you.
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You want them sitting/laying down to dag them----by far the best way
Look up dagging sheep on Y- Tube ....they will most likely show dagging with machine clippers but the principle is the same
watch how they handle/restrain the sheep as that is the important part , if you can get that right the rest will be easy
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Time consuming? 2 sheep?
That said you could construct something a little like a log chopping horse but with a flat bed - you make a slot in the bed at the front and pop their front legs through and just have their rear hanging off the end, have it raised at the rear slightly. Useful for tough lambing too or for general use if you need them still and upright.
If they are needing to be dagged regularly then you may want to look at their diet or worming regime.
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Sorry, perhaps didn't explain too well.
I need her to stand so I can do round her bottom and back of her legs.
She's so woolly, I'm just looking for an option that's less stressful for her.
Have just wormed her but need to get rid of the stuck- on poo!
Would a head harness work?
Thanks xxxx
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The cheapest way for just two is to find a willing volunteer to pin her into a corner by standing against her side. Then work fast. It really isn't too stressful for the sheep. She is more likely to be stressed if she is not secured properly.