Transporting sheep

[PotterWatch]

We will hopefully be picking up our new ewe lambs within a couple weeks. They are about 8.5 hours from us. How often should we plan to stop and check on them during the drive? Do we offer them water only at stops or try to find a way to have water available as we are driving? What issues do we need to be cautious of? Anything special we should do once we get them here? Thanks for any advice!

 

[jhm47]

If they were mine, I'd not offer them ANYTHING till I got them home. They will travel better if they are empty. Chances are, they will lie down after an hour or so, and it would be less stressful on them if they have fairly empty stomachs. They will also be hungry/thirsty when they arrive at their destination, and they will quickly learn where the feed and water is. After eating and drinking, they will explore their new surroundings, and then begin to relax. Good luck!

 

[goodhors]

Are you hauling them in a trailer? Put down enough bedding that they have a
cushion. If it is a stock trailer, you may want to cover the sides to prevent drafts
and bedding blowing around. Sawdust or shavings, dampened to make it weighty
and stay on the floor work best for us. Even damp it is a good cushion and absorbent.
Straw is VERY slippery as bedding in a trailer, I would NOT use it. We have a 4-horse
stock, close the center gate to limit space for bouncing about.

Maybe you could purchase a bale of hay the lambs are eating now to take with you.
I would put a flake of hay in the corner to nibble for such a long trip. I would stop
and offer them a bucket of water every couple hours, let them rest while parked for a bit.

I would mix the hay they came with, with my own hay for several days, then feed my
own hay after. Should have no effects from change of feed that way. I might not give
them any pellets or grain either, as they are getting used to their new home. Restart
them on SMALL amounts after a couple days, make sure they don't get loose poop as
they acclimate to new place and foods. Runny poop makes them dehydrate, lose weight,
so you don't want that happening.

 

[Cornish Heritage]

If they were mine, I'd not offer them ANYTHING till I got them home. They will travel better if they are empty.

I agree! UNLESS you plan on stopping overnight then I would feed & water them when you stop for the night. IF you are driving right through, when you get home leave them where they are overnight, feeding & watering them. Unload them the next morning so that they can see their new surroundings & you can also watch them.

Liz