Author Topic: sheep handling (Read 2586 times)

Backinwellies · « **on:** May 22, 2013, 08:14:38 am »

Went to NSA show yesterday .... fab day. Listened to a women, Miriam Parker , talking about livestock (beef and sheep )handling. She handed round some glasses which gave a sheeps eye view ofthe world (try cutting 2 small holes about 5mm diameter in a piece of card, get down at sheep level, look through holes and imagine wolf is chasing you ) .... quite a revelation and explains a lot of behaviour. They just dont see the gate/gap we expect them too if it is not dead ahead,,,, lots about types of barrier making a difference too.

I will be developing our inherited handling system with this in mind. To find out more this link goes to an article...

http://www.fwi.co.uk/articles/11/02/2008/109350/a-well-designed-livestock-handling-system-puts-animals.htm

lachlanandmarcus · « **Reply #1 on:** May 22, 2013, 08:37:39 am »

That sounds brilliant. I never have time for anyone saying sheep are stupid, they're not, they are just as intelligent as a sheep needs to be and their behaviour is instinctively right for a sheep!

Temple Grandholm (think that's the name) is brilliant on handling systems, she's v well respected even by the big cattle barons on that subject.

Rosemary · « **Reply #2 on:** May 22, 2013, 08:52:38 am »

Quote from: lachlanandmarcus on May 22, 2013, 08:37:39 am

Temple Grandholm (think that's the name) is brilliant on handling systems, she's v well respected even by the big cattle barons on that subject.

Temple Grandin. She's autistic and believes that animals and autistic people perceive the world in much the same way. I've read one of her books and it was excellent.

SallyintNorth · « **Reply #3 on:** May 22, 2013, 09:03:04 am »

Quote from: lachlanandmarcus on May 22, 2013, 08:37:39 am

That sounds brilliant. I never have time for anyone saying sheep are stupid, they're not, they are just as intelligent as a sheep needs to be and their behaviour is instinctively right for a sheep!

IMO, when the handling doesn't put the sheep where you want them, it's the handler who looks stupid.

Temple Grandin is a revelation - there are some vids about on t'internet, mainly cattle handling but the same principles apply. Our new cattle handling system is being based on her ideas - hopefully the cattle will flow around it without needing much if any coercion. I can't wait.