Author Topic: Does anyone use a deckchair to trim the hoofs? (Read 3034 times)

andywalt · « **on:** September 25, 2010, 09:11:30 am »

Hi

Ive seen a contraption that I think is called a deck chair, looks very good when the sheep is sat in it!!!

and looks quite practical...but in reality is it any good? Im sur eyou all will tell me ? please

cheers

morri2 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 25, 2010, 09:15:00 am »

Hi Andy! I've considered this idea too, but realistically the best and easiest method to trim hooves/treat a sheep is a turnover crate because even with a 'deckchair' you've got to get the sheep into it and that involves quite a bit of wrestling.

VSS · « **Reply #2 on:** September 25, 2010, 12:14:17 pm »

The best option is to learn to turn sheep over properly so it doesn't hurt your back, or the sheep. Turnover crates are extremely expensive.

Fleecewife · « **Reply #3 on:** September 25, 2010, 02:28:28 pm »

I agree with VSS. 'tipping' a sheep is a knack well worth learning and it goes hand in hand with general handling ability. The deckchair thing was mentioned on here before, somewhere. We did get one for our Jacobs years ago. They are sized for big sheep, but the first one we had bent under the weight of a Jacob - not the heaviest of sheep. Tipping the sheep into the chair is more difficult than 'tipping' it onto it's bum (more opportunity for it to dig in its toes), and is a two man job. The chair is too big for smaller breeds - ours is hanging up in the barn hidden under a layer of cobwebs. A turning crate is something for someone with a lot of sheep, a lot of money and a bad back.