The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: desertmum on November 09, 2016, 08:05:14 am
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We have four March Ryedales - they are friendly and bucket trained. Yesterday they didn't want their hard feed, and won't let us near them - these are sheep who love a cuddle. It's almost as though they have been scared by something and are warey of us. Their paddock is completely stock fenced. There were some fireworks but not very close by - could this have cause them some stress and to act like this?
Very vague I know - maybe I should chat with the vet.
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Could be the fireworks, or might a dog have got in with them? I'd consider leaving them to calm down for a while then going and sitting quietly in a corner of the field with a bucket of feed, to let them know that you're not a threat. Don't stare at them (you're a predator and they know it, so you could be measuring the distance with your front-facing eyes before you pounce). If they're still skippy back off and leave them for a while longer.
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Agree with Marches Farmer suggestion. I don't think you need to call the vet.
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Id say somethings given then a chase, a group of mine went off me after the badgers expanded their set into the field and started attacking when they sat down.
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Thanks everyone, that is what we thought too. They are in a paddock that is totally stock fenced and dogs shouldn't be able to get in, and we are not on any walking routes. But we do have the odd fox about - so maybe it was that.
Will keep an eye on them, they have eaten a little today, but are still keeping their distance which is a shame as we miss their cuddles.
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Update - when we went out for our afternoon check we heard the first 'baaaa' of the week - and they came to the bucket and ate some tea. We are cautiously hopeful. :sheep: