The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: pikilily on February 17, 2009, 06:45:28 pm

Title: Advice needed about my ewe
Post by: pikilily on February 17, 2009, 06:45:28 pm

hi any ideas would be welcome.
one of my ewes started rubbing her neck, last week, on the cherry trees in the paddock. Today i came home to notice she has taken all the wool off on two patches on either side of her neck. the skin underneath looks pink and intact, there is no evidence of lesions (eg ringworm) i cant see any beasties, it feels rather warm to the touch -but it is very warm today!..... none of the others are like this. They are getting hay, grass, and one of the high energy tubs....she is the least fat of the five ewes....my local sheep-man reckoned that she may be carrying twins. But she is not due untill early April.
what can it be????????????????? :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\
Emma
ps will be trying to get my man to check her out, but thought you may come up with some ideas meantime

Title: Re: Advice needed about my ewe
Post by: sabrina on February 17, 2009, 08:37:52 pm

Could be hormones, when mares are pregnant they can scratch all winter. I remember been driven mad when I was carrying my children and spent many an evening rubbing arms and legs. Just a thought.

Title: Re: Advice needed about my ewe
Post by: woollyval on February 19, 2009, 01:27:07 pm

.............never rule out scrapie.....

They tend to rub a lot, worry and wander aimlessly, pick at food, worry other sheep,fidget and often it can show itself when under stress....i e in lamb.

We had one about 20 odd years ago and once everything else had been ruled out this was what was suspected and confirmed.

I doubt this is the problem but............