Vet Check/Sheep Wellness Exam

Today, we scheduled a farm visit with our long time vet, Mike from Blue Ridge Animal Clinic, to come out to check our sheep and to give us some management tips.  As previously mentioned,  we are new to the sheep business.

We decided, since the sheep are a fairly new addition on our farm, a basic wellness exam for each ewe was in order. This included:  an injection for potential parasite complications (sheep are prone to worms), an eye membrane color check which indicates the level of worm infestation present (white - high, pink - moderate to low, red  - low to insignificant), examine hoof condition, and clip the overgrowth of the hoofs (yes, all four).

Mike started us off, going step by step with the first couple of sheep, demonstrating proper techniques.  Glenn and Becky practiced with Mike providing guidance. Soon, he had to leave for his next appointment.   Then, Glenn and Becky took over the physical labor, while I recorded ear tag numbers, the treatments, and refilled the syringes.

The ewes are lifted onto what I call a sheep hammock - a framed netting that supports the sheep's body.  Once placed on their rear ends, the sheep are easier (relative term) to handle.  Without said hammock, each ewe would have to be held in this unorthodox sitting position by sheer human strength.  After one or two 200+ pound ewes, that would be quite exhausting for any fit farmer, not to mention one (Glenn) who is 60 years old. 

70 sheep took nearly five straight hours of toil supplemented with a lot of sweat.  My finger nail slightly separated from the thumb with all that syringe filling - you know how painful that can be - poor me. By the end of four hours, Glenn was starting to cramp up (every part of his body); but continued to the end, one hour later - poor Glenn.  Becky, dressed in a tank top, received quite a sunburn - she will be a hurtin' tomorrow - poor Becky.  Ahhh...the life of a farmer!

Notice Glenn leaning on the gate, notice Becky's red shoulders....

Glenn is still in cramp mode five hours later. Stretch, stretch, stretch...eat a banana...

The sheep....not one let out any type of baaing - not one; (The cows are quite vocal when they receive any kind of treatment.)  not one had any major infestation of worms - not one. 

And, what better way to get to know your animals than with a one-on-one, hands-on personal exam.

Oops..forgot the rams up at the barn - we, minus Becky, will do those three tomorrow - that is if Glenn gets his muscle strength back.