Hamphsire sheep, they stop eating and wither away. They are scrapie certified. They are fed grain and hay. They have been wormed multiple times with different medications. I have another flock of sheep, not hampshires, different breed, and they are not dying.
2006-07-12 09:12:07 · 4 answers · asked by Jennifer 3 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Grain is okay, not too much copper. Live in Pennsylvania. I guess it wouldn't be heat, as I lost one just at end of winter. They are not bloating. Doubt the water tank, as this is only happening to Hamps, not Dorsets. Yes, they are in field with other flock. Two that died were just over a year, and the other one was 4 or 5. All rams. It is definitely not scrapie because the first one that died was tested for scrapie after death. Yes, they had all been codon tested. We have been breeding sheep for 10 years, so we are aware fortunate enough to have the knowledge to have been able to troubleshoot the "basics" and this really has us stumped. I sure am interested in seeing what everyone has to say. Thanks so much.
2006-07-13 06:49:22 · update #1
Check to see if there is too much copper in their grain. Make sure there are not any poisonous plants that they could be eating. Are they bloating? Could there be something in the water tank? Are they in the field with the other flock of sheep? I would have a vet come out and inspect the rest of the flock and maybe take some blood tests and see what could be going on. Have them checked for black leg also.
2006-07-12 09:19:59 · answer #1 · answered by Just Me 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just because you are scrapie certified does not mean u dont have it ( not to scare u) is it your older ewes any rams die. Scrapie has a very long incubation period and is can be fastracked by stress (thats why they test ewes goin to slaughter cause chances are that that auction wasnt the first they had been to.) Do u codon test regularly
2006-07-12 19:47:47 · answer #2 · answered by Jamie B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Where are you? When were they shorn last? Heat can be a killer. Have you checked for coccidia (worming medications won't get that)? How old are they?
2006-07-12 19:19:20 · answer #3 · answered by Jan H 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.cabicompendium.org/ahpc/library/animal%20health%20and%20welfare%20in%20organic%20farming/sheepweb/miscel/Default.htm
http://www.geocities.com/Petsburgh/Park/5471/SheepDisease1.html
http://www.countrylovin.com/ahsa/index.html
2006-07-12 16:17:53 · answer #4 · answered by helixburger 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋