Today the vet came out to check les girls. We had been in conversation previously by phone and quickly came to the conclusion that they could do with a visit.
Easily caught with a bucket – the Boyzens included who were in the other part of the stable grumbling – something about incarceration with hay and water….. I wasn’t listening.
Our vet checked teeth, mouths, feet and answered all my sheep-related questions.
We caught the youngest first and tipped her. I put a collar on each of them. I am not a fan of them but they make good grabbing handles if necessary.
She was a good girl about everything and then, once released, went back to her bat-shit crazy (BSC) ways.
They were given an antibiotic injection and the potential lamb situation was sorted. Both ewes are not healthy enough to go through pregancy. Photos never show just how thin an animal truly is.
Then mother sheep was then caught and I tipped her (my first tipping – my poor back was very unimpressed).
She is “broken mouthed” which means teeth are missing. There was also some evidence of foot rot on her so the vet sprayed her hooves with antibiotic spray.
While we were working with “Mum”, the BSC daughter constantly did the Wall of Death around the stable so we ignored her.
So that’s them all checked over – one more thing to do but I will wait a week – they need some pour-on anti-lice stuff in case they have any nasties hiding in their pathetic thin fleeces. My lot look quite luxurious by comparison.
We did our best. I think they were fairly unimpressed but I know they have been fully checked over by a vet and the only way is forward. Also they have calmed down hugely about BeAnne, which is good. There was a definite atmosphere from both side.
Thank you for taking them in and looking after them. Poor things. It must have been very scary, especially if one is Caddy – being alone and very hungry. I’m looking for your updates every day. They will soon be in good shape like your other animals. Jooliya
Once again you have rescued critters just in the nick of time. Even if they are BSC right now.
Ironically enough, given the short time you’ve had them, they are beginning to look well-cared for. What lucky ladies!
Baby steps with those two I guess, Frances. Something tells me you’ll have them looking and feeling pretty darn healthy in no time!
They both have lovely Shetland faces – I will enjoy seeing them learn to live well with you.
So glad they have been checked over and hopefully now the only way is forward to great health. With your care and attention they will be looking marvellous in no time at all. So, so glad you rescued them – what pretty little girls they are.
Questions! Are they too undernourished to become pregnant? or are they pregnant but won’t bring a lamb to full term?
And is that an Icelandic sweater? Very pretty.
Norwegian sweater.
They are too undernourished to survive pregancy. Any fetus growing inside will take all the nutrition and then grow to a big lamb which they will probably die giving birth to.
I’d say they came away with a pretty darn good bill of health; especially considering their previous situation!
Will you keep them separate from the boysenberries, to avoid them getting pregnant? Can you give each of them a hysterectomy?
The Boyzens are all “done”. No chance of little lambs by them!