The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Bionic on June 08, 2012, 10:16:46 am
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Tomorrow we are off to get our first sheep, 3 Coloured Rylands.
We have an IW p6e livestock trailer. The journey is 29 miles but will take about an hour.
Now for the stupid question ........Do we put straw on the fllor of the trailer?
Sally
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Not a stupid question at all Sally!
We put a layer on straw on the floor of our trailer when moving sheep. It makes it more comfortable for the sheep should they want to lay down, and absorbs (or at least provides a barrier to) any pee and dung.
HTH. :)
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The IW trailers have crissy-crossy floors which provide very good grip without anything added, but as well as being more comfortable if they decide to lie down, it'll be easier to clean out if you put down some straw or, if you have it, sawdust / shavings. Not too much, just enough to help them grip and to absorb some of the wet.
We always say it - it's only stupid to not ask! :)
And another tip - sweep it out and wash it down as soon as you get the sheep out - it dries very quickly and sticks like glue within a very short space of time!
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Thanks Both. I will add some straw and clean out afterwards and disinfect with virkon.
Sally
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The IW trailers have crissy-crossy floors which provide very good grip without anything added, but as well as being more comfortable if they decide to lie down, it'll be easier to clean out if you put down some straw or, if you have it, sawdust / shavings. Not too much, just enough to help them grip and to absorb some of the wet.
That seems to depend upon the dealer who supplied it. Ours doesn't.
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Not a stupid question at all, All the above is good advice I would tighten up the space with a Small bale or two of straw so they done rumble about to much.
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Sawdust and straw, are good. restrict the movement to stop them flying about and getting injured , and definately wash out asap , cause it does stick like body waste to bedding (s**t to a blanket.)