[Jacob-list] Docking tails on adult sheep

[Royal Unzicker]

I have  banded  very few  ram lambs .   Then first was very  young , maybe only several weeks.  It was very difficult to be sure both testicles were below the band.  Last year I did a three month old lamb.  Easy to do and he didn't seem to notice.
  From: Linda 
  To: Royal Unzicker 
  Cc: Jaci Siehl ; JacobList 
  Sent: Monday, May 03, 2010 6:30 PM
  Subject: Re: [Jacob-list] Docking tails on adult sheep


  It just seems odd that 2 (or even 4) joints longer would make that much difference. 
  Since we are talking about banding - how old have you banded ram lambs? 

  Linda

  Royal Unzicker wrote: 
    Hi Jaci,
    I do  understand that most people who do  not dock never seem to have a  problem.   But I believe your question had more to do with whether an  adult sheep can be docked.   My experience is different from most who have responded.    For what ever reason, I do not like long tails on  my sheep.  When I have purchased adult sheep with long tails I have always docked them.  I clip the wool from the area where I want to band.   In put two or three bands in the same place.  Adult sheep don't  seem to know they have been docked .   Never any indication of pain  or discomfort in my experience.  I would try to clean the area well and disinfect it.  It will take longer for an adult tail to fall of then for a lamb.  
    Royal

      ----- Original Message ----- 
      From: Jaci Siehl 
      To: JacobList 
      Sent: Sunday, May 02, 2010 11:21 AM
      Subject: [Jacob-list] Docking tails on adult sheep


            I have two ewes with "an experiment gone wrong".  Last year I thought I'd try docking tails one joint longer.  Well, one was 2 joints longer and the other one slipped down about 4 joints.  Both have extremely dirty tails that I don't like and would like to dock them back to the normal length of all my other sheep.

            I don't have a vet close by that would surgically dock for me so it would mean driving 60 miles one way, plus the cost at the vet's (not a practical option at this time).

            I assume I could just band them again at the correct spot, but I am concerned that this may just make the end die but not fall off AND that it would be very painful for the sheep for a long time.

            Third option would be for me to cut the tails myself - but I've only done day-old puppies this way and not sure about sheep.

            Any opinions, suggestions, or previous experiences would be welcomed. 

            Jaci Siehl
            Sugarpine Jacobs
            530-538-9474 




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