Docking

[aggieterpkatie]

I did a blog post about docking. Let me know what you think.

Docking Time

 

[jhm47]

This is VERY good information for anyone who is planning to raise sheep. I know that there are some who abhor the idea of docking, but if they could have seen the terrible flystrike problems that I've seen, they would quickly change their minds.

When our children had Columbia sheep for 4-H projects, we routinely docked them with an electric docker. I still prefer this method, since it's over nearly immediately, there is no blood loss, and the tails are disposed of right away, instead of rotting off, and smelling bad for a week or so. Of course, that's just my opinion.

Whatever method is used, it's much better than taking a chance on acquiring a flystrike problem.

Again, GREAT post!

 

[aggieterpkatie]

This is VERY good information for anyone who is planning to raise sheep. I know that there are some who abhor the idea of docking, but if they could have seen the terrible flystrike problems that I've seen, they would quickly change their minds.

When our children had Columbia sheep for 4-H projects, we routinely docked them with an electric docker. I still prefer this method, since it's over nearly immediately, there is no blood loss, and the tails are disposed of right away, instead of rotting off, and smelling bad for a week or so. Of course, that's just my opinion.

Whatever method is used, it's much better than taking a chance on acquiring a flystrike problem.

Again, GREAT post!

Thanks!

And I agree with the electric docker method. We used it when I was working at the campus farm in college. I just don't have the money to buy one for a small number of sheep. If I was going to get into sheep as a business, I'd definitely buy one.

We also cut to castrate, not band. That was quicker too. It's just easier now for me to use the band becuse most of the time I'm doing this stuff while hubby is at work. Though the other day I did get him to vaccinate a lamb for me! His first vaccine!

 

[Royd Wood]

Just come back in from docking 6 lambs to find this thread
Great blog post aggie

 

[SweetDreams]

Glad to see someone else having to deal with those tiny bands! DH always manages to leave some in his pants pockets, and I find them in the laundry.

My DH and I dock the ewe lambs, but not the males to tell them apart, and for "easy access" when it comes to breeding. Plus, most of our males go to the stockyards before it becomes an issue with the rear end problems.

I once saw a "Dirty Job" episode about docking the ol' fashioned way with a knife. They also tagged their ears with notches to tell the gender apart in the pasture. That was interesting, but I KNOW I couldn't do it.

I LOVE the blog BTW- have I told you lately??

 

[aggieterpkatie]

Glad to see someone else having to deal with those tiny bands! DH always manages to leave some in his pants pockets, and I find them in the laundry.

My DH and I dock the ewe lambs, but not the males to tell them apart, and for "easy access" when it comes to breeding. Plus, most of our males go to the stockyards before it becomes an issue with the rear end problems.

I once saw a "Dirty Job" episode about docking the ol' fashioned way with a knife. They also tagged their ears with notches to tell the gender apart in the pasture. That was interesting, but I KNOW I couldn't do it.

I LOVE the blog BTW- have I told you lately??

If I had hair sheep I'd skip docking!


And I've notched piglet ears, but nothing else.


And yes, you did. Thank you!!

 

[SweetDreams]

Ahh- to dock or not to dock...that is the question...

Even with hair breeds, we still see our share of "wool" (see below in the picture)
which can provide a place for problems to grow.

That is from this fall, and some were growing a nice little thin coat for the upcoming winter...which is in full force here in Kentucky....


And I too have notched piggy ears as well!
I'm thinking about getting a pair to help "seal" a pond of ours that isn't holding water....

but I digress....


Too many sheep....too little time!!

 

[aggieterpkatie]

Ahh- to dock or not to dock...that is the question...

Even with hair breeds, we still see our share of "wool" (see below in the picture)
which can provide a place for problems to grow.


http://www.backyardherds.com/forum/uploads/1243_edited1.jpg

That is from this fall, and some were growing a nice little thin coat for the upcoming winter...which is in full force here in Kentucky....


And I too have notched piggy ears as well!
I'm thinking about getting a pair to help "seal" a pond of ours that isn't holding water....

but I digress....


Too many sheep....too little time!!

I tease my friend about her "ugly shedding sheep" all the time.


And I was thinking about getting a pair of pigs this year....to "seal up" the empty space in the freezer.

 

[SweetDreams]

Does you friend dock her "ugly shedding sheep"?

And how about I get the pigs for the pond.....and you can have the left-overs?

 

[aggieterpkatie]

Does you friend dock her "ugly shedding sheep"?

And how about I get the pigs for the pond.....and you can have the left-overs?

Actually, she doesn't dock them! They do alright, but not like there's anything wrong if ya do dock them!