[Bionic]

I think a shepherds crook would help me to catch the lambs but I am struggling to find a nice one.
Most seems to be for walking purposes rather than being put to work.


Any suggestions?

[Porterlauren]

No idea where ours came from, but they are all made of steel, and do the job well.

[SallyintNorth]

Most agri merchants will have a selection.

Here's Mole Valley's.


I think if you say "Shepherd's crook" you get the fancy sort that they use in the ring; if you ask for 'leg crook' or 'neck crook' you'll get the working type.

I use a short leg crook.  It is the right size to catch lambs round the neck, or a ewe by the hock. 

I find the long ones allow a ewe to be too far away from me, and she can create enough of a whiplash I (a) let her go and (b) nearly dislocate my elbow or shoulder!

[Tim W]

Not very traditional but I've got a couple of these

http://www.molevalleyfarmers.com/mvf/store/products/shepherds-crook-double-ended

work well for me

[Ina]

I used to have a short wooden one that a colleague had chucked out because a bit had broken off... It was ideal for catching lambs and sheep indoors, where a long one would have been a hindrance rather than help. Also came in handy when I had a little accident and needed a walking stick to get around...

[jaykay]

My dad uses a single-ended combination crook (his is solid aluminium, not tubular, and blue). Like the one fourth from the left.



Me, I just use a standard long neck crook (red, so I can find it where I've dropped it, or hurled it!). While the lambs are too small for it, I creep up on them at the trough and grab them with my hands 

[shygirl]

our farm shop sells them, get a metal one and it will last a long time.

[Fleecewife]

Don't get a tubular metal (aluminium?) one as they bend just when you need them not to.  We also had a lightweight cheap wooden one which straightened out in the damp over a winter 

I like the sound of a short one.

[Bionic]

Don't get a tubular metal (aluminium?) one as they bend just when you need them not to.  We also had a lightweight cheap wooden one which straightened out in the damp over a winter 

I like the sound of a short one.

I like the sound of a short one too.  I will take a look at my local agri merchants and if not Mole Valley seems the place to go.


Thanks everyone 

[Backinwellies]

They had pink ones at the smallholders show last week!!     I nearly bought one myself there (not the pink one!)  .. but wasn't sure if they were a good deal or not.

[Backinwellies]

Thanks for info on length .... short one it is then I did wonder that too.   Oh and Mole Valley much cheaper than show ones!