[Jacob-list] Trimming hooves and vaccinating

[BIDE WEE]

In a message dated 03/24/08 08:27:18 Pacific Daylight Time, jacob-list-request at jacobsheep.com writes:
Jacob's hooves don't usually need trimming. I've got ten year old ewes whose feet have never been touched and they are perfect. While my neighbours' Dorsets need doing annually. Jacobs are essentially a wild sheep - who'd be trimming their hooves in the wild? 
I disagree.  In some areas (rocky or dry and sandy) Jacob hooves might not need regular trimming but in most environments they will - at least once or twice a year.  When Jacob hooves get long they have a tendency to grow under the foot so you rarely see long 'genie' style toes but it doesn't mean they don't need trimming.  It's important to check the feet by lifting them occasionally to be sure they're not getting too long.  

Also, back to the vaccination conversation, I'd just caution those that choose not to vaccinate with CD&T to let buyers know that when selling sheep so the new owner can decide if they want to vaccinate.  The environment at the new home may be such that CD&T vaccinations are wise.  Also, the 'T" (tetanus) protection can be important if the sheep are attached by dogs.  We sold some lambs several years ago to a new sheep owner whose farm dogs attacked her sheep.  She was able to patch all of the lambs up but she ultimately lost one that she'd bought from another breeder (who doesn't vaccinate with CD&T) to tetanus.  Being new to sheep she didn't know enough to ask whether or not the lamb had been vaccinated.  If she'd been told it had not she might have made the choice to vaccinate it.

Karen Lobb

bide a wee farm
registered Jacob and Navajo-Churro sheep
19562 NE Calkins Lane, Newberg, OR 97132
503-538-7987 ~ karen at bideaweefarm.com 
www.bideaweefarm.com 
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