[Scramble]

Hi all
Just had 34 sheep in the field, so the goats have been in their pen. How long would you leave it before letting them back out to the field to wander. I was thinking in terms of the sheep poo being rained on and decomposed into the soil as well as reduction of risk of contamination with worms or other parasites. Thanks in advance for any tips.

[macgro7]

Goats are supposed to be more vulnerable to parasites carried by sheep than sheep themselves.
Itsngood idea to let them wait the whole winter (6 months). The poo won't be visible after couple of weeks but the parasite eggs will still be there after long time- especially in winter as the hot sun doesn't kill them.

[Fleecewife]

Do you have a large flock of poultry you could run on the ground to help clear the parasite eggs? As others have said, it can take a long time for parasites to die off without another species to clear them.  I would think a whole year for putting goats on but it's worth asking your vet for (telephone) advice there.  Were they your own sheep?  If so you will know how well treated they have been for worms.  If not, next time include FECs and worming regime in your requirements for a letting out so your ground is not potentially contaminated.

[Steph Hen]

Ages for parasites. Or get other animals to graze it, someone said chickens, but cattle maybe ponies might hover up the parasites. I think it’s accepted that goats should avoid land that’s just been grazed by sheep because they share and are more susceptible to the same things.

But that said, if your goats are wormed frequently and you can get their pop checked and look out for their condition score and any symptoms I guess it’ll be fine.