[Jacob-list] docked tails

[Paintedrockfarm at aol.com]

I firmly agree with keeping a docked tail within a reasonable limit.   In 
West Virginia, there are restrictions in place to prevent the severity of  
docking market lamb tails and those sheep who are shown in our state's fairs and  
festivals.  I think club lamb breeders would most certainly dock  tails clear to 
their shoulder blades, if they could.  Many horror  stories could be told 
about health issues directly related to overly docked  tails.  
 
MY PERSONAL PREFERENCE is to have the tail long enough to cover both  the 
anal and vulva regions. I personally do not like natural length tails  so I dock. 
I feel that a tail covering the anal and vulva area is  more appealing than a 
full length tail -- AGAIN MY PREFERENCE.   Some shepherd's feel just the 
opposite and want tails left on; after all they  are born with them! I do not 
think a docked tail Jacob is any less than a Jacob  with a tail -- MERELY PERSONAL 
PREFERENCE.
 
There is no physical need (in most cases) for a  sheep's tail to be docked.  
AND I don't know of any  physical need for the tail to remain intact either  
but there may be one indeed and I'm sure I'll hear about  it!  I'm sure there 
are Jacobs who use their tail to swat flies, much  like a horse.  I have one 
ewe who routinely plays with her tail, which  is quite comical to watch 
actually.  Tails or not, my Jacobs lift what  they do have to urinate, defecate and, 
in ewes, deliver lambs.  
 
Not all shearers are familiar with tails.  Mine just mentioned is  easier not 
to have to work around them.  You know, the personal  preference thing!  I 
know my shearer would still come shear my  sheep with tails or not so its a 
non-issue really.
 
My vet looks at banding differently than other vets might.  I  tend to agree 
with him -- banding is less stressful (painful) than other  methods.  He said 
his 22 yrs. experience in this area has been more  problems with cut off tails 
than banded ones.  Perhaps it could  have been the person doing the cutting!  
Just like doctors though,  huh?  Always a different opinion! :)  I personally 
have not had  ANY health issues from banding but I'm sure there are others 
who  have. I take the recommended veterinary precautions when we band at 3 days  
and move on.  Some shepherds (and vets, for that matter) may prefer cutting  
the tail off and/or then cauterizing it or dousing with antiseptic.  Most  
shepherds save valuable time and money by doing a vast variety of care taking  
chores themselves since shepherding involves day to day care of  the flock. An 
inexperienced or new shepherd may elect to have a vet or more  experienced 
person perform certain tasks for them the first time.  After all it is a learning 
process -- what works for one shepherd and  flock may not work for another.
 
I'm sure we would all agree, however, that docking or not and  method used is 
best left up to the shepherd(ess) and his/her  current situation.  Like Linda 
said -- you can always take it off but  really hard to put back on!
 
Isn't this fun? :) -- Cheryl 
 
Mike  & Cheryl Terrano
_Painted  Rock Farm_ (http://members.aol.com/paintedrockfarm) 

Route 4 Box 726
Buckhannon, WV  26201-9205
(304) 457-6620 
paintedrockfarm at aol.com 
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