[Dans]

Hi all

I have my sheep   

They've been in for a few days for worming and vet check but they are heading out on Sat. I've noticed one in particular has a slightly dirty bum. Poo is solid now but will this clean up on it's own or am I best off 'dagging' whilst she is in? And if I should be dagging do you have any tips on shears. I had a nosey on amazon but they all say for gardening/sheep, is that right? Feeling like a complete newbie.

Dans

[Melmarsh]

Hi ! Yes they will be the dagging shears that gardeners also use for topiary and the like . easy to use for either job 

[Anke]

Your local feed merchant will also have a selection, so you can try them for how they fit your hand. Double bow ones are easier to use (less force needed to push) IMO.

[Tim W]

http://www.handshears.co.uk/

best I have used

[pharnorth]

For only a few sheep and having small hands I prefer to use the same ones used for foot trimming.   I find dagging shears a bit unwieldy for small jobs.

[Slimjim]

If you look at the list of previous topics on this below, you will see Jakoti shears are often recommended. They are very good and very sharp, but the blades are very prone to rust and are a bit long for some uses. I have two pairs now and they are ideal for removing the giant conkers hanging off the back end of my Ryelands. For finer work, removing wool from around the teats of the GFD's and Badger Face ewes for example, I use a pair of Tesco scissors - stainless, short blades, and sharp.

[Bionic]

I bought a pair of Jacoti but they are so sharp and the blades so long that I am too afraid to use them. I find the foot shears work well as does a pair of scissors. I didn't like the double bow ones

[nimbusllama]

If I were you I would try to wash it's bum first and soften the hard bits.  Then I would use something like these...
http://www.fiskars.co.uk/products/scissors/softouch-r-spring-action-general-purpose-scissors-26cm-1003873 ... to get the stubborn bits off.
They are very sharp and yet not dangerous, I originally got them to trim my llamas, but use them all the time on my Castlemilk Moorits if they get dirty bums, as they don't have much wool to cut away.

[Rosemary]

http://www.handshears.co.uk/

best I have used

I agree. Bought mine years ago and they stay sharp, comfortable and easy to use. My vet uses them too.

[Marches Farmer]

I use standard double bow shears and oil the blades after sharpening.  I recommend removing clinkers whenever you get the chance.  Once the new grass comes in in the Spring wet muck will stick to existing clinkers and just make them bigger!  Just be very careful to get the blade between the base of the clinker and the skin before you start snipping.

[Hellybee]

I use jakoti, but have F and B version that are much much cheaper.  They have blue handles, I think I got them from the co op for around a tenner.   They are very sharp, so best to have a play with them first, I started by cutting in slowly whilst dagging until I got my hand in with them, I so prefer them to traditional.

[Dans]

Thanks guys.  I've turned them out as we wouldn't get a chance at the weekend but they will be back in a couple weeks for the second heptavac, will dag them then as I'm expecting some mucky bums from the grass, it's quiet green and lush at the mo. Will have a look at the ones you've suggested.

Dans

[Rosemary]

it's quiet green and lush at the mo.

Dans

  How lucky are you 

[VSS]

You need a pair of these - http://www.burgonandball.com/shop/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=173

with the 3.5 inch blade.

[beagh-suffolks]

You need a pair of these - http://www.burgonandball.com/shop/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=173

with the 3.5 inch blade.

they are brill hand shears ....