The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: jheard on September 01, 2016, 07:44:08 pm

Title: Balding head
Post by: jheard on September 01, 2016, 07:44:08 pm

Hi

One of our Ryeland lambs has a balding patch on his head. There's a horizontal patch across the top where you can imagine horns, and a second smaller patch just behind. Both look like he's rubbed the area a lot but we've seen no evidence of this. His skin seems fine, there are no scabs or wounds. He's not at all bothered by it - should I be??

Thanks all

Title: Re: Balding head
Post by: pharnorth on September 01, 2016, 07:48:35 pm

Lice?

Title: Re: Balding head
Post by: jheard on September 01, 2016, 07:54:20 pm

Would he be itching with lice?? Haven't seen him rubbing...

Title: Re: Balding head
Post by: Womble on September 01, 2016, 08:51:38 pm

We've had a couple with little bald patches this year, but like you, I'm not too sure what to make of it  :thinking: .

Any chance of a photo?

Title: Re: Balding head
Post by: jheard on September 01, 2016, 08:53:32 pm

Thanks. I'll try a photo but haven't managed to get them on before from a phone photo. Any tips?!

Title: Re: Balding head
Post by: Foobar on September 02, 2016, 10:09:25 am

Midges?  Rubbing from some irritation anyway mostly likely.

Title: Re: Balding head
Post by: jheard on September 02, 2016, 10:39:46 am

I'll keep an eye on it. Should I put anything on it? Can't think of anything as it seems healthy skin.

Cheers all!

Title: Re: Balding head
Post by: pharnorth on September 02, 2016, 10:54:58 am

If he is rubbing it is likely to be midges or lice. And he may only do it certain times of day (e.g sunset) so you may not see him do it. Your vet should give you a single dose of the right medication if you can get it diagnosed, it is the same stuff that is used for dogs.

Title: Re: Balding head
Post by: jheard on September 02, 2016, 11:22:19 am

Quote from: pharnorth on September 02, 2016, 10:54:58 am

If he is rubbing it is likely to be midges or lice. And he may only do it certain times of day (e.g sunset) so you may not see him do it. Your vet should give you a single dose of the right medication if you can get it diagnosed, it is the same stuff that is used for dogs.

Same stuff as in Frontline?? I have some of that so if I can safely use that I can put it on when I get home this evening

Title: Re: Balding head
Post by: Marches Farmer on September 02, 2016, 03:25:14 pm

Could be either but we sometimes find rams starting to rub their heads on gateposts and similar things at this time of year, presumably scent-marking their territory in the run up to tupping.