Unfortunately, sheep often suffer from internal parasites, as well as other diseases. Farmers deworm sheep frequently (get advice from your local vet). In particular stores, you can find sheep deworming products of different types (pills, sprays, injections, pastes, etc.).
Sheep should also be vaccinated once a year (against overeating, clostridium and other diseases), always with the vet's concept. Sheep with special needs may require more frequent vaccination.
Also, we must regularly check the welfare of our sheep. Diarrhoea is a common symptom of sheep disease.
Having runny eyes or nose, isolation from the herd, not chewing, not drinking water, sleeping all day, and not getting up are also some of the signs that something is wrong. In any case, we should always have the vet's phone number handy.
In many cases, the vet will ask you for the rectal temperature of your sheep before deciding to come to your property or not. The average rectal temperature for sheep is between 38.3 and 39.9 ° C (100.9 and 103.8 ° F).
In many countries, it is very common for owners to dock their sheep's tails to avoid hygienic problems (long seats are usually covered with manure and attract flies). However, you should contact your veterinarian for further instructions.
Also trim sheep's hooves (with a hook cutter) to prevent infection (foot rot). You have to check their hooves every two weeks, but trimming should be done less frequently than with goats (goats need to have their hooves normally trimmed every two months and sheep every 3 to 4 months, but we must be more cautious in wet conditions).
Finally, many farmers cut their sheep's hair at least once a year, preferably before the summer heat.
Questions and Answers about Sheep
Are sheep carnivorous?
No, sheep are herbivores.
What is the average body temperature of sheep?
The average rectal temperature of sheep is between 38.3 and 39.9 ° C (100.9 and 103.8 °F).
At what age can a sheep mate?
Between 7 and 9 months of age, but there are surprising exceptions to these limits.
My sheep are not of a dairy breed. How much milk can you produce?
Typically 100 to 200 pounds (45 to 90 kg) during the milking period will last 4 to 6 months.