DEAD! 2nd or 3 White Dorper DEAD!

[SuburbanFarmChic]

I am SO sorry you lost her.

I put this to more knowledgeable sheep people. Could an adrenaline shot make a difference immediately upon realizing that they are "gone"?

 

[Beekissed]

I would get rid of any sheep bought there and start fresh. From everything I've seen of the Dorper breed, I've changed my mind quite a bit about their hardiness and abilities to blow their wool in the spring.

I am beginning to see that too. I guess it's a good thing I couldn't locate dorper lambs this spring and had to settle for Katahdins. So far, I am really happy with my katahdins.

I was quite impressed with the pure Kats also! They seem just as meaty~ but with more leg~ than the Dorpers and they have such beautiful wool quality that just peels off in the spring~makes for lovely lambskins when tanned. They seem much more docile than the Dorpers and St. Croixs also. Just calm, dependable, eatin' machines!

 

[manybirds]

What feed/ mineral block do u have? do they have any copper in them? it kills sheep

 

[kslilbopeep]

Hi there,

I live in Kansas and have over 100 head of sheep right now. I raise Katahdins, Dorpers, and crosses of the two. Our temperatures hit 112 yesterday. I have Dorper ewes that have the same amount of wool on them that yours have. I also have other crosses that have WAY more wool then my Dorpers. I use to think the extreme heat would kill them due to all the wool. However, I have several that do fine - despite the temperature. In fact, I had a ewe that had completely shed off, die last month - I THINK due to the heat. In summary, I know to look at them you just feel sorry for them having that wool coat!
I have found out the hard way to manipulate my flock as little as possible when it is hot out. I have lost lambs trying to catch them to take to the market. Literally, they just fell over dead. I was SICK about it.
Also.. one other thing.. I ALWAYS dock my lambs tails. I have never had a prolapse, or anything of the sort, due to close docking. I actually sort of like that little nub of a tail but have several that have none. I really believe your ewe just stressed when being sheared.
Sorry!!! It is a ROUGH summer!

 

[Natisha]

I am probably the most unknowledgeable person on this board but I will tell you what my vet told me. Sheep or goats should not be put on their sides due to them being ruminents & are unable to pass gas (burp) from that position. The gas can build up such pressure as to cause respiratory or heart problems.
I doubt this happened to your sheep because she wasn't down very long but it is something to think about. I sheer my sheep with them standing. It takes longer but they are friendly & eat treats the whole time, so I think they rather like it. I only have 2 sheep so it is doable.
I'm sorry for your loss.

I have a close docked lamb as a pet & it has caused many problems plus she has constant fly irritation. I will never again buy a mutilated sheep.

 

[aggieterpkatie]

Long term they shouldn't be on their sides, but short term it won't do any damage.