The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: paulrollings on January 07, 2012, 10:10:48 am

Title: Checklist
Post by: paulrollings on January 07, 2012, 10:10:48 am

Hi everyone, really sorry for daft question.  I started to keep sheep last year, bought five Southdowns shearling ewes back in September, in November I put a ram in with the girls.  I check them every day but to be honest I'm not sure what I'm looking for or doing.  I assume if there was anything wrong it would be fairly obvious?!

I wonder if anyone has a check list of what I should be doing / looking for each week/month?  Since picking them up in September I haven't done anything other than check their feet and teeth and had a feel through their fleeces.   I have the 5 ewes and 1 ram in about an acre.  The grass was looking a bit bare and so have been supplementing with hay and some badminton sheep mix but otherwise I haven't done anything else.

Any pointers to a weekly/monthly check-lists would be great

Thanks

Paul

Title: Re: Checklist
Post by: Rosemary on January 07, 2012, 11:25:31 am

Get Tim Tyne's book "The Sheep Book for Smallholders (http://www.accidentalsmallholder.net/books/the-sheep-book-for-smallholders/)" - it's the only sheep book you'll ever need and a good read too.

Title: Re: Checklist
Post by: YorkshireLass on January 07, 2012, 07:28:40 pm

Seconded  :thumbsup:

Title: Re: Checklist
Post by: woollyval on January 07, 2012, 08:41:47 pm

Thirded.....and maybe book yourself on a sheepkeeping lambing course?

Title: Re: Checklist
Post by: Brucklay on January 07, 2012, 11:06:08 pm

Getting on to a lambing  course would be great - but I guess that depends on where you live - I booked on on in Aberdeenshire - cancelled and not happened since!!!

Title: Re: Checklist
Post by: SallyintNorth on January 07, 2012, 11:07:47 pm

Yes get a good book.  You'll be lambing in April so if you can find somewhere to get a bit of hands on experience in Feb  / March that would be a good plan.  Whereabouts are you?

Title: Re: Checklist
Post by: Herdygirl on January 08, 2012, 09:52:29 pm

Hi Paul

i agree with the pervious posts, get the book... also making friends with another sheep keeper nearby would by sensible for on the doorstep help and advice.

I am one of the lucky people that has managed to get on the lambing course run by Tom and Dot Vine.

 Although i do have some experience in resusitating new born lambs, my OH and my friend Sally have so far 'spared' me the actual helping a ewe in difficulties..

Our little flock has grown from 6 breeding ewes to  - 16 and then 30 over the last 2 years.  We  also help with my friends flock while she is at work and she helps with ours when we at at work.

so therefore i felt i needed a course to give me the confidence to intervene if necessary.

I am so looking forward to it  ;D

good luck with your girls

Title: Re: Checklist
Post by: Moleskins on January 08, 2012, 11:27:42 pm

Register with a vet! Also depending on your land 1 acre won't be enough I've 12 sheep on 6 acres and struggle through Winter.

Title: Re: Checklist
Post by: Cinderhills on January 09, 2012, 09:27:13 am

Agree with all the above, and definitely go on a lambing course.  It was so useful to me and my OH.