The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: LeanneR88 on September 11, 2017, 02:16:11 pm
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We only have 3 sheep (2 x 1y 5mths, 1 x 5 mths) unsure as to what to do regarding worming!
Have seen you can buy pellets but don't know if this is the best route to go?
Any recommendations for when only have minimal amount of sheep?
Thanks
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Well, the starting point is not to assume that you have to worm at all. We should only use wormers if there's actually a problem with them. All sheep carry worms, and an adult sheep has usually built up a sufficient immunity for it not to be a problem for them at all, so your two older sheep are probably fine anyway. The lamb may benefit from worming, but not necessarily. If the lamb remains in good condition, and is not scouring, then the probability is that your stocking density is so low, and the pasture sufficiently clean, that you wont need to use wormers.
DEFINITELY don't use them 'just because'.
If you think you may have a problem take a sample of poo to the vets and ask for a FEC (fecal egg count) to be undertaken (they generally do it themselves, on the premises, so you should get a result within 24 hours - and the vet can advise you whether you actually need to use a wormer, and what would be the best brand/type for your sheep and the local area). A test is likely to cost around £15.
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Our vet will dispense the amount of wormer required so we don't have to buy a whole bottle. If yo do need to worm then that is the best route with a small flock, but as TheSmilingSheep says, you may not have to worm.
I haven't heard of worming pellets for sheep, what ones are those?
Dans
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You used to be able to buy Panacur pellets for pigs but I don't see how you could be sure sheep would eat pellets in the right amount.
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Our vet will dispense the amount of wormer required so we don't have to buy a whole bottle. If yo do need to worm then that is the best route with a small flock, but as TheSmilingSheep says, you may not have to worm.
I haven't heard of worming pellets for sheep, what ones are those?
Dans
They are probably Vermex for sheep and goats, not sure if they are proven to work?
https://verm-x.com/verm-x-sheep-goats (https://verm-x.com/verm-x-sheep-goats)
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Verm-x is a health supplement rather than a wormer. It may well boost an animal's system but I wouldn't expect it to kill worms, there's no evidence that it does. I do think it's awful the way they market them.
Dans
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FEC first and then if need be have you got a farming/smallholder neighbour who you could share with?
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Your vet should be able to supply small amounts of wormer or know a client that has some going spare. Verm x is not a wormer and worms/ fluke are not something to take a chance on with herbal remedies.