Sheep handling
General information
Lamb marking and mulesing
Jetting, dipping and drenching
Mustering
Lifting sheep
Diseases from animals
General information
- Build yards on sloping ground for better drainage and of a design that will encourage sheep to work freely.
- Build protective coverings over working and drafting races.
- Avoid slippery surfaces in races and forcing yards and keep dust levels to a minimum.
- Observe recommended withholding periods for drugs or chemicals before stock are slaughtered.
- Ensure the brakes and suspensions on motorcycles are regularly maintained.
- Wear a helmet and appropriate protective equipment and clothing that protect arms, legs and feet when riding motorcycles.
- Treat rams with caution as they can be very aggressive.
- When working rams in a race ensure you are protected from those behind you. A well positioned drop gate is useful to reduce the hazard.
Lamb marking and mulesing
- Hold lambs firmly when held by hand.
- Use a cradle where possible.
- Catchers should wear protective gloves.
- Work out a system along the cradles so that operators are not in danger of being cut, sprayed with chemicals or jabbed with a needle.
- Sterilise all knives, shears and ear pliers and ensure operators observe hygiene practices.
Jetting, dipping and drenching
- Choose the most efficient chemical for the job and the least harmful to humans. Always wear protective clothing, goggles and breathing equipment where specified.
- Use positive air supply hoods. If headaches or any other discomfort are suffered after handling chemicals seek medical advice and have appropriate tests done. Avoid using these chemicals if possible in future.
- Ensure correct mixing rates are used.
- Keep equipment well maintained and check regularly to avoid leakage of chemicals.
- Do the work in the shade to reduce risk of heat stress.
Mustering
- Plan the muster as sheep movement is affected by wind direction and location of water.
- Allow plenty of time and do not rush the stock.
- Use dogs to control the mob.
Lifting sheep
- If possible have two people to lift sheep.
- When lifting alone, sit the sheep on its rump, squat down, take a firm hold of its back legs while keeping the sheep's head up to restrict movement. Pull the animal firmly against the body and lift using your legs not your back.
- If lifting the sheep over a fence do not attempt to drag, work from the same side as the animal.
- Put a drafting gate at the end of the handling race to save lifting. It is advisable to have several positions for 'drop gates' in the race to hold sheep that are to be drafted off.
More information on manual handling.
Diseases from animals
Animals carry diseases that are transferable to humans, sometimes referred to as zoonotic diseases - be familiar with the symptoms so that you can determine if these diseases may exist in the flock.
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