[Jukes Mum]

There was a thread on here recently discussing when it is OK to handle a pregnant ewe.
My tup went in at the weekend and marked 'Norma' on Monday. Today she has started limping (noticeably, but not hopping). They do not get too stressed at being handled, but she won't let me look at the foot so I'm going to have to tip her up at some point for a proper look. Would I be best doing this now or leaving her to limp for a couple of weeks? Poor Norm!

[Foobar]

The sooner you look the sooner you can fix it, so from a welfare point of view you need to do it now.  Can you restrain her (or get someone to help restrain her) so that you can just pick up the foot?  Or can you tip her quietly and gently?


I have the same problem with three of mine, sponged and mated last Saturday, and by Tuesday they were limping badly .  I've had to tip one to see what it was (and glad I did cos I think it's CODD), so they will all be examined more closely tomorrow and jabbed etc. *groan*  who'd have sheep!!

[Marches Farmer]

I get someone to stand astride the ewe's shoulders whilst her rear is backed into a corner - keeps her still enough for me to turn up a foot.