Joined
·
1,126 Posts
Hi everyone, lambing is in full swing at our house now! We had an interesting incident. I had always heard that wool sheep could loose their fleece to stress, but had never seen it until this year. We had a cheviot ewe who we think bloated. We found her down in the pasture, she was barely able to walk with us using a sling on either side to get her into the barn. She had green "cud" coming out her nose, I think she aspirated some of it and got pneumonia. She was a month away from lambing. For 3 days, she was down. Could not walk at all she was so sick. We treated with electrolytes/molassis and a small amount of probios. The mobile vet could not come out, but sold me some SMZ's (sulfer/anti-biotic bolus) and we gave her that twice a day. On the 4th day, she started to eat a little and could stand, but shakey. 5th day, she lost her twin lambs who were 1 month pre-mature. But she continued to improve, started eating well, and after a few more days, seemed fully recovered.
About 1 week later, we start seeing big hunks of wool on the fences and trees. We cornered her and I was able to peel ALL her wool off!
She lost it all, right down to the skin. She's still healthy and acting normal now, 1 month later. We were sad she lost her lambs, but very glad she recovered! 1 less sheep for DH to shear!
About 1 week later, we start seeing big hunks of wool on the fences and trees. We cornered her and I was able to peel ALL her wool off!