SCORE! Sheep Handling Equipment

[Baymule]

That makes sense, thanks for the explanation. I was planning on having them a treat, was thinking crimped oats, because you have mentioned that before.

 

[Mike CHS]

I just mentioned that because we both have pretty tame sheep but that changes some when they get into the chutes until they get used to it. It's pretty simple after the first time.

 

[Baymule]

I read an article that said to run them through the chute without working them, giving them positive reinforcement and a treat at the end before letting them out. Sounded like a good idea.

 

[Baymule]

Whew! It’s hot! We just finished getting it set up. Robert came over and helped. I let the sheep out in the yard, but they kept coming back to see what we were doing. LOL Ringo found the table we’ve been using while slaughtering chickens. He rubbed underneath it, hitting his tickle spot and kicking his hind leg like a dog. We laughed at him until he knocked the table over. Game over.

Then Robert moved his truck in the shade and Ringo used the back bumper for a scratching post. It’s so funny watching him switch back legs because he hit the other tickle spot.

Getting started

I bet I got this backwards, but it’s up now and I’m not changing it. LOL

It’s 2:00 and I’m itching to try this baby out. But I have 7 chickens on ice to cut up and process. I have hours of work ahead of me. Got to get them done because we are slaughtering the rest in the morning, then we’ll be done. 7 more and 2 old roosters, then cut up and process them.

I’m so proud of this equipment, it’s going to make things so much easier.

 

[Roving Jacobs]

What an awesome set up! You're going to be working sheep like a pro now

 

[Baymule]

What an awesome set up! You're going to be working sheep like a pro now

Thanks! I'm so excited!

I just finished with the chickens I had on ice, got everything cleaned up and cloroxed at 7:40. I heated up leftover pizza and that was supper. BJ went to the neighbor that has an ice machine and filled the ice cooler. 7 more darn chickens to go and our ice machine neighbor will get one!

 

[lilipansy]

That was a great score (so jealous)! We built our chute and catch pen with pallets because they were free but just realized that we need a flip table to do their hooves, vaccinations, etc... It's so back breaking without one.

Your set up is nice but I think I've read somewhere that your chute should be (somewhat) solid so they can't see through it and try bouncing off the sides. Please let us know how it goes. It's so exciting to have equipment that'll make your life so much easier.

 

[Mike CHS]

That was a great score (so jealous)! We built our chute and catch pen with pallets because they were free but just realized that we need a flip table to do their hooves, vaccinations, etc... It's so back breaking without one.

Your set up is nice but I think I've read somewhere that your chute should be (somewhat) solid so they can't see through it and try bouncing off the sides. Please let us know how it goes. It's so exciting to have equipment that'll make your life so much easier.

You can set them on their butts to do hooves or get a Deck Chair like the one in the link. We had a turn table and sold it. The sheep were stressed the whole time they were waiting to be worked. It's much better now but the chair is a two person operation for our bigger sheep. Sheep that are used to being handled don't balk because of wire enclosures. We have solid panels on a couple of our sections but we have the top section turned down so it's only 32" high and they can see out easily.

https://www.premier1supplies.com/p/...MIkfD69qCZ4wIVZf_jBx0HDgNBEAQYASABEgKiavD_BwE

 

[Hipshot]

Our layout now is similar to what we had when you were here but we added an 8' gate to the porch and attached a Cattle Panel inside the loading chute to use to "squeeze" the animals onto a trailer. We added the gate permanently to allow us to use it to hold animals in the loading area or we can send them in there until we are done and then open the gate and let them go back to the shelter area by moving the inside panel at the entrance to the chute.

Two of our solid panels allow us to drop the height by 8" so we can easily step over and get in the chute with the sheep. You can see them in the 3rd and 4th pictures. The only issue with those is I have had a wild ewe jump out of the chute when the height is reduced. Three adult sheep easily fit in one section and I can get in to hold them steady while they get a shot or drench from the person outside the chute. By working in with them it lets me use my position to keep them from backing out or lets me use my lower body to push them forward in the rare case they get stubborn. At first I had to use a panel to force them into the chute but anymore I just open the sliding gate at the entry end and they walk right in.

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I I love this set up Mike . I'm just going to add this little bit of information .get rid of the zip ties and try these instead . The tool is a pigtail twister .You can buy at Home Depot $3.50. They only carry the one pictured . Galvanized loop ties have to be ordered seven or eight inch work better . Home Depot carries the plain wire ones, and only six inch .Six inch ties will twist one or two times on a T post and a corral panel. . They come in longer lengths. But again you can order the longer ones or buy them at a local concrete material supplier . Like Ram Tool or Care Supply . I used to buy from them don't know if they are in business anymore . The 1000 count bundles ,may be hard to get in longer lengths . You may only be able to get them in 5000 count roll . I have yellow plastic coated six inch ties. from a 5000 count roll still , from a footing job over ten years ago. I use those to tie my garden baskets together . They are so handy , fix a small cage or wire the door shut on a crazy rooster . Tie milk jugs cut for feeders and waters in small or big cages .

 

[Mike CHS]

I'll have to check those out.