[Jacob-list] Docking tails on adult sheep

Royal Unzicker runzicker at verizon.net
Mon May 3 15:44:01 EDT 2010


Hi Jaci,
I do understand that most people who do not dock never seem to have a problem. But I believe your question had more to do with whether an adult sheep can be docked. My experience is different from most who have responded. For what ever reason, I do not like long tails on my sheep. When I have purchased adult sheep with long tails I have always docked them. I clip the wool from the area where I want to band. In put two or three bands in the same place. Adult sheep don't seem to know they have been docked . Never any indication of pain or discomfort in my experience. I would try to clean the area well and disinfect it. It will take longer for an adult tail to fall of then for a lamb.
Royal

----- Original Message -----
From: Jaci Siehl
To: JacobList
Sent: Sunday, May 02, 2010 11:21 AM
Subject: [Jacob-list] Docking tails on adult sheep


I have two ewes with "an experiment gone wrong". Last year I thought I'd try docking tails one joint longer. Well, one was 2 joints longer and the other one slipped down about 4 joints. Both have extremely dirty tails that I don't like and would like to dock them back to the normal length of all my other sheep.

I don't have a vet close by that would surgically dock for me so it would mean driving 60 miles one way, plus the cost at the vet's (not a practical option at this time).

I assume I could just band them again at the correct spot, but I am concerned that this may just make the end die but not fall off AND that it would be very painful for the sheep for a long time.

Third option would be for me to cut the tails myself - but I've only done day-old puppies this way and not sure about sheep.

Any opinions, suggestions, or previous experiences would be welcomed.

Jaci Siehl
Sugarpine Jacobs
530-538-9474




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