Sheep hide illness for a long time. If you wait until a sheep really looks ill, you are often too late. This collection focuses on what you can do in advance: a good mineral supply, vitamins at the right time and the aids to catch and treat a sheep safely. We do not sell veterinary medicines such as wormers; those go through your vet.
Minerals for sheep: watch the copper
Sheep are sensitive to copper, but the sensitivity differs greatly between breeds: some breeds tolerate little, others actually need more. So use minerals intended for sheep, such as the 10 kg Excellent Liksteen Mineral Schaap. Excellent Sheep Bullet boluses come without copper, with copper and with biotin. Only choose the version with copper if a deficiency has been established or your vet recommends it. Do not share licks for cattle or goats with sheep without checking the label.
Handling: catching and holding
A treatment goes faster and more safely when the sheep stands still. With a 146 cm neck and leg crook, you take a sheep out of the group. The Shoof Gambrel sheep restrainer, in size S and L, holds a sheep while you check its feet or dose it. With a pill giver, also available in an Uno version for lambs, you place a bolus at the back of the mouth without putting your fingers between the molars.
What else to keep to hand
A tube of vitamin gel, disposable gloves and an Ectofly applicator for evenly applying a pour-on product you get through the vet. Keep everything together in one box, so you do not have to search when a sheep lags behind.
Signs to watch for
A sheep that stands apart, is not chewing the cud, is lame, pulls at its fleece or loses weight quickly deserves attention. Also check the lining of the eyes: pale can point to worms. A faecal sample at the vet shows whether action is needed.
Related: foot care, skin and fleece, dosing and drenching, lambing and marking. Everything for sheep is under everything for your sheep.
Frequently asked questions
Which mineral lick is safe for sheep?
A lick made specifically for sheep, such as the Excellent Liksteen Mineral Schaap. With other licks, always check the copper content.
When do I give a bolus with copper?
Only if a deficiency has been established or your vet advises it. Sheep tolerate an excess of copper poorly.
How do I keep a sheep still for a treatment?
With a sheep restrainer such as the Shoof Gambrel Restrainer, or by setting the sheep on its rump. A crook helps to take it out of the group.