Mustering, droving, counting and drafting
Sometimes a herd of sheep are required to be moved from one area to another, or a larger herd of sheep must be separated into two or more groups.
Below outlines the following considerations involved in moving a sheep from one place to another.
Although mustering is often conducted by dogs or on horseback or motorbikes etc, mustering on foot can also be done. It is important to drive the sheep from behind and ensure they move in unison formation (as sheep a herd animals). Always move slowly, calming and quietly.
Moving an individual sheep to be separated from others is easier in a small pen. To move the sheep, grab the sheep under its jaw and hold it up so its nose is facing up. The sheep will move backwards. To move sheep forward, push its dock, which will indicate it to move forward.
Below outlines the following considerations involved in moving a sheep from one place to another.
- Flight Zone
All animals have a flight zone. When a handler is within the flight zone the animals will run, however, if the handler is outside the flight zone, the animal will turn and face them. It is important to work outside the animal’s flight zone to avoid danger to both the animal and handler. It is important to determine the animal’s individual flight zone because factors including amount of exposure to human contact effects this.
- Point of Balance
The point of balance is at an animal’s shoulder. If you move either side of this point, the animal will respond by moving in the opposite direction. When wanting a sheep to move forward, the handler should stand behind the shoulder, and when wanting the sheep to move backward, the handler should stand in front of the shoulder.
Although mustering is often conducted by dogs or on horseback or motorbikes etc, mustering on foot can also be done. It is important to drive the sheep from behind and ensure they move in unison formation (as sheep a herd animals). Always move slowly, calming and quietly.
Moving an individual sheep to be separated from others is easier in a small pen. To move the sheep, grab the sheep under its jaw and hold it up so its nose is facing up. The sheep will move backwards. To move sheep forward, push its dock, which will indicate it to move forward.