Tipping
Individual catching of sheep can be a difficult task, so to make it easier, use gates and panels to make a small pen. It is easiest to catch a sheep when it’s facing into the corner of the pen.
- Approach the sheep calmly and grab the sheep under its jaw. If you are unable to reach the jaw, reach for the hind leg and then use your other hand to control the jaw as soon as possible.
- Once you have control of its movement you can then restrain it in the most appropriate way.
Tipping a sheep
Tipping sheep is an important skill in handling sheep as it allows handlers to examine sheep while the animal is in a relaxed position. Some types of examinations include the ‘4 T’s’.
The first ‘T’ is teeth. Teeth are examined to determine age and also to determine if the animal’s mouth is of correct health. The second ‘T’ is toes. It is important to determine if the hooves are overgrown or if there is infection in the hooves. The last two ‘T’s’ only apply to ram examinations which are testes and tossle. The testes should feel even and there should be no abnormalities. The tossle is the tip of the penis, also called the prepuce. If the penis is or prepuce is damaged, the ram is infertile, and is often culled.
The first ‘T’ is teeth. Teeth are examined to determine age and also to determine if the animal’s mouth is of correct health. The second ‘T’ is toes. It is important to determine if the hooves are overgrown or if there is infection in the hooves. The last two ‘T’s’ only apply to ram examinations which are testes and tossle. The testes should feel even and there should be no abnormalities. The tossle is the tip of the penis, also called the prepuce. If the penis is or prepuce is damaged, the ram is infertile, and is often culled.
- Place one hand underneath the jaw of the sheep and stand to the side of the sheep.
- Ensure the leg closest to the sheep’s head is in line or just behind the shoulder. Your right knee should be touching the sheep’s hip.
- Place your hand over the sheep’s back, on the hips. Turn the sheep’s nose away from you towards the opposite shoulder your leg is next to.
- Put pressure on the hips (but not to bruise the animal) to cause an imbalance in the sheep’s hind.
- Step back with your leg touching the sheep’s hip while continuing to move the head towards the back of the sheep.
- The sheep’s hind should give way and its back will be leaning against your legs.
- Place one leg on either side of the sheep so it comfortably sits on its rump between you.
- Ensure the sheep is not resting on its dock, but rather the sheep’s hip.
Restraining a sheep
Restraining a sheep can be done in many different ways, but using a gambrel will be explained below.
- Once you have comfortable tipped the sheep, place one front leg inside to gambrel and then place over the back of the sheep’s neck, behind the ear.
- Carefully place the other leg into the other side of the gambrel (It may seem difficult but it will always reach).
- Once the gambrel is secure, slowly place the sheep belly down onto the ground.