[Jacob-list] How and when to dock lambs tails

[Paintedrockfarm at aol.com]

I agree with Linda -- the earlier the better!  I have docked my  smaller 
lambs (like 5-6 lbs.) at 3 days, while the larger ones get done no later  than day 
2.  I've docked tails at 1-2 days this year since we've had some  larger 
lambs.  Our smallest births were 6-6 1/2 lbs. -- did them at day  2.  I also use 
the Elastrator banding technique -- it's easy, quick and I  feel the least 
traumatic to the lamb.  You will probably get a lot of  feedback on this vs. other 
techniques. 
 
Length of tail is another discussion -- if you plan to show your sheep,  make 
sure you check state guidelines for minimums/maximums, etc.  Of  course, 
there may not be any available info on that when you need to perform the  task!  
The way I learned to judge length was raising the lambs tail (it  helps to have 
someone hold the lamb for you) where you can see the skin  folds (caudal 
fold)on each side, coming down from the rectal area.  I  normally place the band ju
st down from this area.  You should be able to  feel the vertebrae in the 
tail -- I try to place the band in between them at the  2nd one down past the 
caudal fold.  I like our ewes to have their rectums  and vulva areas covered, 
although I have missed the mark and gone a little  shorter a few times.  This has 
been esp. true when I've been doing this  myself while holding a wiggly lamb.
 
Good luck -- Cheryl
 
 
Mike  & Cheryl Terrano
_Painted  Rock Farm_ (http://members.aol.com/paintedrockfarm) 
Route 4 Box 726
Buckhannon, WV  26201-9205
(304) 457-6620 
_paintedrockfarm at aol.com_ (http://paintedrockfarm@aol.com/) 
Breeders of Registered Jacob Sheep & French Angora  Rabbits
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