{"title":"Sheep foot care","description":"\u003cp\u003eLameness is one of the most common complaints in sheep, and it often starts with a hoof that is too long or where dirt gets trapped. Regular trimming and a footbath at the right moment keep the flock on its feet. This collection contains the shears, knives and baths you use for this.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eTools by flock size\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth\u003eNumber of sheep\u003c\/th\u003e\u003cth\u003eTools\u003c\/th\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003eA few sheep\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd\u003eSheep foot shears or a classic curved foot-trimming knife\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003eDozens\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd\u003eClaw Clipper Sheep Dutch from Hofman Animal Care plus a premium curved foot-trimming knife for finishing\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003eTreating a group\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd\u003eSheep footbath (120 by 40 cm, 18 cm deep) or the wide cattle\/sheep footbath of 204 by 83 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHolding the sheep properly\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eWith sheep, you usually work with the animal set on its rump, back against your legs. Then all four feet are within reach and the sheep stays relatively calm. If you find that difficult or work with heavier breeds, use a sheep restrainer; you will find it in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/sheep-health\"\u003esheep health\u003c\/a\u003e. Preferably work on a dry day: dry hooves are harder and easier to assess, wet ones are softer to cut.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFootbath: how to use it\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eFirst let the sheep walk over a clean, dry surface, so no mud gets into the bath. Use a footbath product intended for the purpose, according to the label, and let the animals stand on a dry spot afterwards. A footbath does not replace trimming; it works best when the feet are well maintained.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003ePoints to note\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eDo not cut too deep: where the tissue turns pink, you stop. A foot that smells, feels warm or where lameness persists despite trimming can point to an infection. Then call in your vet. Cut with a clean, sharp knife and clean it after each flock.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMore for the flock: \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/sheep-supplies\"\u003eeverything for your sheep\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/sheep-skin-and-fleece\"\u003eshearing and fleece care\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dosing-and-drenching\"\u003edrenching equipment\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/lambing\"\u003elambing\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/sheep-marking-raddles\"\u003emarker sticks and raddle harnesses\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow often should I trim sheep feet?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThat depends on breed, ground and season. Check the feet, for example, at shearing and before tupping, and in between for any sheep that walks differently.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFoot shears or foot-trimming knife?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFoot shears quickly cut away the overgrown wall; a knife is for fine finishing. Many keepers use both.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhich footbath for a small flock?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor a small group, the narrow sheep footbath is enough. If a large flock walks through, choose the wide cattle\/sheep model.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[],"url":"https:\/\/www.fidello.co.uk\/collections\/sheep-foot-care.oembed","provider":"Fidello","version":"1.0","type":"link"}