A footbath for sheep is a shallow bath with a solution that you walk the flock through, so all feet are cleaned in one pass. Here you will find the bath itself, an adhesion agent for the bath and materials to clean and trim feet in between. Medicines are not included here.
Setting up a footbath
The footbath for cattle and sheep measures 204 by 83 cm and is made of polyethylene. You can link several baths together at the side or at the end, so the bath becomes longer or wider. The studded profile on the bottom spreads the claws, so the liquid also gets between the claws. Place the bath in a narrow passage or a race with hurdles, so the sheep walk through it one by one and do not turn round. Afterwards, let them stand on a dry, clean spot before they go out into the field.
What goes in the bath?
- Your footbath product: use a product that is authorised for your application and follow the label for dilution and contact time. Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.
- ClawFix from Excellent: an adhesion agent that you add to the solution, so it stays on the foot better. Available in 250 ml and 4-litre bottles.
- Keeping it fresh: manure and mud quickly make a bath dirty. Replace the solution according to the label and rinse the bath out after use.
Foot hygiene in between
Sheep's feet keep growing and do not wear down enough on soft ground. With the sheep foot shears (26 cm) or the Claw Clipper Sheep Dutch, you trim overlong edges. Excellent Citonol cleans skin and feet and comes in 1 and 5 litres; Vulnos Blue Spray is a cleansing spray that you can use after trimming.
If a sheep is lame or you smell a foot that is not right, have your vet determine the cause and decide on the approach; this certainly applies if you suspect footrot. More tools are in sheep foot care, care in the wider sense in sheep health. For goats: goat hoof care; the whole sheep section is in everything for your sheep.
Frequently asked questions
How big does a footbath for sheep need to be?
Long enough for every sheep to stand in it with all four feet. You can link the 204 x 83 cm bath if you want more length.
What is ClawFix for?
It is an adhesion agent that you add to your footbath solution, so it stays on the foot better. Use it according to the label.
Can I treat a lame sheep with a footbath?
A footbath is a hygiene measure. With a lame sheep, your vet determines what is going on and what you should do.