Author Topic: Hell from Sevenoaks (Read 1349 times)

Llewelja · « **on:** June 07, 2018, 09:38:17 am »

Hi all,

Just introducing myself . I have taken on a new role as estate manager on a small holding and am learning on the job about care of sheep and poultry. I’m feeling a little isolated at times so it’s great to find this forum.

There are a couple of issues at present that I’m struggling with. We have four elderly sheep that need shearing and I’ve not been able to find a shearer. Also I need advice on how to identify sex of ducklings. Our 2 runner ducks have hatched 13 ducklings and will need to rehome the males.

I would be grateful for any guidance/ info. Great to meet you.

Jan

arobwk · « **Reply #1 on:** June 11, 2018, 08:44:13 pm »

Can't help with sheep & ducks, but hell(o) Jan. I'm sure someone will come along shortly who knows about shearing & ducklings.

harmony · « **Reply #2 on:** June 11, 2018, 09:31:31 pm »

Welcome

Ask the local farmers about clipping. Or ask in the feed merchant/farmers supply store.

Ducks quack. Drakes don't and they get a curl on their tail.

Lesley Silvester · « **Reply #3 on:** June 11, 2018, 10:20:21 pm »

Jan and welcome to the forum. Can't help with your queries but someone will be along soon who can.

Penninehillbilly · « **Reply #4 on:** June 12, 2018, 12:08:32 am »

Hi Jan,
Just wondering what is causing 'Hell' in Sevenoaks

I used to set to with a pair of large scissors on my sheep, luckily they were used to collars so tied up while I did it.
Or watch on YouTube, there's bound to be something on there to show how it's done.
I think it's about 12 wks before you can sex the ducklings, but it's a while since I had any, so I could be wrong.

Perris · « **Reply #5 on:** June 12, 2018, 06:22:08 am »

Hi Jan, welcome to TAS

Unfortunate typo - I'm sure you're not that bad!

nimbusllama · « **Reply #6 on:** June 12, 2018, 08:28:34 am »

Hello Jan
Not sure if you have tried this but it might be helpful, a few cover Kent.

http://www.stockkeep.co.uk/stockpersons.html

I agree with Harmony, ducks quack and drakes make a hissing sound

Rosemary · « **Reply #7 on:** June 13, 2018, 08:37:16 am »

No help but welcome to TAS from

ish Carnoustie

honeyend · « **Reply #8 on:** June 13, 2018, 09:01:42 am »

Is it Sevenoaks, Kent.? There is a rare breeds place somewhere in Kent,https://www.rarebreeds.org.uk/find-us
perhaps they will have some leads.
There are also a few Facebook groups you could ask,https://www.facebook.com/groups/525138497593526/, there will probably a more local one.
Having had a go at shearing sheep, its hard work, but not impossible to do and if you can not find a reliable shearer I would invest in clippers, electric ones.