The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Divacat on November 26, 2017, 06:45:17 pm
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Pl
Hi please can anyone tell me how to use a Commodore sheep turnover crate, made in New Zealand, just what I want, cannot justify £3000. for a modern one for fourteen sheep
Thanks in hope
Diana
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The Commodore is mentioned in a couple of earlier posts. Those by IAE and others would certainly come in at less than £3K. We have a crate in a Modulamb race and it's some of the best money we ever spent on the flock (after Footvax). We must have saved the cost in time and temper within a year.
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Well I can try! First off practice without any sheep in it. Your sheep need to be able to run into the back of the crate, be stopped by the breast bar, then you lift the top bar handle on the top of the crate to restrain the sheep into the crate cradle. Move to the front of the crate (facing the sheeps head) and use the top bar to swing the crate over ( the sheep turns a... over t.. as they used to say in the playground).
Once you have done what ever the job was, use the top bar to turn the crate back over. Be careful to check the front legs are tucked in so don't get caught on the sides as you turn it over. Release using the button on the Spring so you can raise the breast bar and let the sheep through
I have a similar number of sheep and find it quite useful. Find max I can turn is about 65kg without help. I attached a rubber mat to the back rest as the sheep wriggled like mad on the uncomfortable bars that made a huge difference.
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Brand new IAE / Ironwork turnover crates cost around £500 - £600 :)
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The more you pay - it seems the more it will last and also retain its value for sael if you wnt to get rid.
If your paying 600 quid - its a disposable one that will only last through a few seasons - throw it away and buy another.
Im toying with buying one but want a total turnover circular one
There is a commadore or thats what it says on ebay at the mo item number 263332120693
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bid is at 170- quid