The Dos and Don'ts of sheep

John Sones looks back at hard learned lessons and shares them so you don't have to experience them too

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Starting out for the first time to keep lambs can be a pleasure but also daunting, and will always be a learning experience. There is a saying that 'Failing to plan is planning to fail' and there is no doubt that preparation is the key to maximum pleasure and minimum problems. I'm going to pass on our experiences of finishing lambs including prior preparation, keeping them on the holding and going to the abattoir and what we learned from them.

DO YOUR PREPARATION BEFORE YOU START

Smallholders keep sheep for various reasons including for their own consumption, to sell their meat or just to be 'mowers'. It is important that you decide initially why you are going to keep them as that will guide your learning. You may of course change your plans as you gain experience. If you are not a member already, by joining a local smallholder's group you will get to know others who can advise you. You may also find that they run a sheep keeping course. In any case, find out as much as you can about sheep welfare both on the holding and during transport before they arrive.

GETTING THE PAPERWORK RIGHT

Looking first at the paperwork, your holding (or rented land) requires a County/Parish/Holding (CPH) number if not already registered. This can be obtained on line from the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) a maximum of 6 weeks before the livestock arrives. You will also need a flock mark which is obtained from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

All sheep movements both on and off your holding must be recorded in a holding register and also reported to the Livestock Information Service (LIS) which can be done on line or by paper records.

Full details of all these requirements are on the government website www.gov.uk.

Finally, any medicines given to your animals (including fly strike prevention) must be recorded in an Animal Medicine Book.

GOOD FENCING MEANS GOOD NEIGHBOURS