[georgielmgm]

Sooooo, I went to look at some ewe lambs yesterday and bought 8  They arrive on Saturday so I was hoping someone could give me some direction on things I need to do/get before they arrive? Such as tags? Movement forms? I need to ring someone and register my flock or something? Equipment? Very exciting but want to make sure I have everything sorted!  thanks in advance! 

[twizzel]

Have you got a CPH and flock number? Movement forms should be filled out by the person at the departing holding you will just have to sign the bottom bit saying you're the receiving keeper and if you're transporting them yourself you fill that section in too.

They should have tags in for transport, are you buying them to breed from or kill in the autumn? If it's the latter they only need slaughter tags, if not they should be double tagged although you can replace with your own holding tags but they must be red. They should be EID by now (electronic identification) I think I've got that right but stand corrected !

Equipment wise hurdles are very handy. Are your fields stock proof? Sheep will find the smallest of gaps in a hedge and be gone in no time 

[georgielmgm]

I have a CPH but need to check on the flock number, I got a letter with something in but can't remember!
I'm keeping for bredding, I saw they were double tagged already so do I need to order new tags with my flock number (if I have it) ?
I'm not sure, I'm having a few corners of fields from a farmer with beef cows so I may need some electric fence to start with? 3 strands should keep them in?

[georgielmgm]

Also, do I need to have a flock name or is that just pedigree flocks? And don't I need to ring the AVHLA (?) To register my flock or summat?

[SophieLeeds]

Also, do I need to have a flock name or is that just pedigree flocks? And don't I need to ring the AVHLA (?) To register my flock or summat?

If the sheep are already tagged you don't need to change them for your own tags. If any tags are missing I would ask the farmer to replace them before you collect

Yes you need to ring to register your flock and get a flock number if you don't already have one. This has to be done within 3 days of the sheep arriving on your land & you need to state the purpose of the livestock - breeding etc. 

Good luck

[georgielmgm]

Brilliant, thanks could I register before they arrive as I've got the time or do I need information that I'll only know once they are here? (Individual tag numbers etc.)

[Foobar]

Brilliant, thanks could I register before they arrive as I've got the time or do I need information that I'll only know once they are here? (Individual tag numbers etc.)

Yes you can register in advance. Just give them a call:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/ahvla-en/keeping-animals/registering/sheep-goats/#herds
http://www.defra.gov.uk/ahvla-en/about-us/contact-us/field-services/

[georgielmgm]

Brilliant! so they are going straight to a local farmers field, I need to ask him for his CPH and put that on the movement forms right? Instead of the CPH I have on my house? And I know the seller will give forms when I collect, but how do I get a stock of my own for future use? Sorry for all the questions!

[Womble]

Georgie,  There are three different registrations that you need, but it looks as though you're mixing them up a bit in all the excitement!      (Edit - you replied below whilst I was typing this, but I think it still stands!)
 
Firstly there's the CPH number. That belongs to the land. Somebody else will have to advise for sure what happens here if the land you're using doesn't actually belong to you, but I'd have thought you'd just ask the farmer you're renting from what the CPH number of those fields is, and use that?
 
The second thing is the flock number. That gets allocated by DEFRA to you as the registered keeper of the animals. You can apply for a flock number now, but you MUST do it as soon as you get livestock.
 
The third thing is the actual sheep movements. So, when you get your sheep (which MUST be tagged already, so as long as they are, you don't need to worry about that), you then register that those individual animals have then moved onto your holding and are now under your care. It's therefore only when you come to register the MOVEMENTS that you need the individual tag numbers etc.
 
You'll get sent a guide to all of this, and a stock of the relevant movement forms when you apply for your flock number, so I'd suggest you do that now, and then come back with questions if anything is unclear once you've received the info pack!
 
Hope that helps!

[georgielmgm]

Ok, so CPH is sorted. Don't need to worry about that. 

So flock number is next on my list; contacting my local animal health office to register as a livestock keeper, and it looks like I'll need the CPH and address of where they're going

And the flock movements is the AML1 form?

Why are all the websites so confusing uggh?!

[Marches Farmer]

Do you have any previous experience with sheep?  Do you have any kit?  Have you registered with a farm vet?  Do you have a farming or smallholding neighbour you can ask for help and advice?  Have you read any books on the subject or attended a course?  Paperwork is all very well but the welfare of the sheep comes first, second and third, in my book.

[Foobar]

Be careful about using someone elses CPH ... as when you move livestock onto that CPH you will incur a standstill period, which means your farmer friend can't move anything off his farm for X days.  If you are renting land that will be used by only you then you should ask for a new CPH number to cover that land or for that land to be included in your CPH ... best is to ring them up and tell them what you are doing and they will advice what is best.

[georgielmgm]

Already been warned about the standstill period, will be asking him about it but they are heading to a beef farm and he doesn't take things to market or slaughter very often, thanks though! 

I have done 4 seasons lambing with 2 different flocks, inside and out, sheared (wrapped fleeces) twice, been there pushing them through whilst been dosed, and brought them in too many times to count. I have no kit as of yet, I have money in my budget to buy that, and my mum works at our local ag store (discount) failing that one of our closest friends is a sheep farmer, I know he will be happy to lend any kit if I get stuck. I know which farm vet I'm registering with, will be doing that after registering as a keeper. As I said, very close with local sheep farmer, they are going to be kept on a beef farmers land to start with (also very friendly) and I guess this forum counts as a smallholding neighbour?
I have Tim Tyne's Smallholding book, Eddie Straiton's disease book, and numerous books on breeds, and showing. All of which have been read at least twice.
I have a medicine book, a flock register, and a 2014 diary.
Sorry if I seem a bit off, but yes; I am 17, I am a girl, I wasn't born into farming, the legislation is confusing me, I have worked all summer to save my money for this, spent months researching it, and years waiting for the right time and confidence to go through with it. If I'm not ready now...

[Foobar]

You go girl!!!


Yes all the paper work is confusing to begin with, they don't really explain stuff in plain english do they!

[georgielmgm]

Exactly! Especially when they keep sending you to different websites that say different things! Will give local animal health office a ring tomorrow!