The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Gemma417 on June 12, 2019, 09:32:47 am

Title: Cold Stress recently sheared.
Post by: Gemma417 on June 12, 2019, 09:32:47 am

I have a small flock of sheep. I sheared 2 of them a week ago but for the past few days weve had persistant rain with colder temperatures than recent. Both were shivering yesterday morning so i've put them in the shed. One of them is very fat so im surprised she's been affected by the cold.
 I've been giving them feed morning and night and some hay as i've read thats a good food to help them warm up.
Can anyone advice me what i can do to help them warm up?
Thank you.

Title: Re: Cold Stress recently sheared.
Post by: Fleecewife on June 12, 2019, 05:00:54 pm

In Shetland I have seen older ewes dressed in chuck-out wooly jumpers.  The head goes through the head hole, the front legs through the sleeves.  Being wool, even if wet they would be warm.

Title: Re: Cold Stress recently sheared.
Post by: SallyintNorth on June 12, 2019, 05:50:25 pm

Feeling for you - maybe try to get them blade sheared another time?  It leaves a covering, whereas machine shearing scalps them! 

Title: Re: Cold Stress recently sheared.
Post by: bj_cardiff on June 12, 2019, 07:40:15 pm

I think your doing the right thing, its just bad luck. If they'd been sheared a couple of weeks ago and had time to get used to conditions it wouldn't be so bad. I'd bring them in overnight, or when the weather is cold and wet :(