{"title":"Home page","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"how-to-crutch-a-sheep-a-comprehensive-guide","title":"How to Crutch a Sheep: A Comprehensive Guide","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"conversation-container ng-tns-c1342591847-1 message-actions-hover-boundary response-optimization tts-removed ng-star-inserted\" id=\"563d12d517768d76\" _ngcontent-ng-c1342591847=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv _ngcontent-ng-c3416322333=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"response-container ng-tns-c385158619-71 response-optimization tts-removed ng-star-inserted\" _ngcontent-ng-c385158619=\"\" jslog=\"173900;track:impression\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"presented-response-container ng-tns-c385158619-71\" _ngcontent-ng-c385158619=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"response-container-content ng-tns-c385158619-71 tunable-selection-with-avatar\" _ngcontent-ng-c385158619=\"\" selection=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"response-content ng-tns-c385158619-71\" _ngcontent-ng-c3416322333=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown markdown-main-panel response-optimization stronger\" id=\"model-response-message-contentr_563d12d517768d76\" dir=\"ltr\" _ngcontent-ng-c4202359359=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"1:1-1:48\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Crutch a Sheep: A Comprehensive Guide\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"3:1-3:16\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"5:1-5:249\"\u003eCrutching is an essential husbandry practice for sheep welfare, especially in warmer months or for certain breeds. This guide will provide you with the information you need to effectively and safely crutch a sheep using your battery-powered clipper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"7:1-7:22\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is Crutching?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"9:1-9:142\"\u003eCrutching involves removing wool from around the sheep's breech (buttocks) and tail, and sometimes the belly and udder. This helps to prevent:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-sourcepos=\"11:1-14:0\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"11:1-11:55\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlystrike:\u003c\/strong\u003e A serious condition caused by maggots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"12:1-12:51\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUrine scald:\u003c\/strong\u003e Skin irritation caused by urine.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"13:1-14:0\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFecal soiling:\u003c\/strong\u003e Contamination of the wool and skin.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"15:1-15:27\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreparing for Crutching\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"17:1-17:20\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEssential Tools:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-sourcepos=\"19:1-25:0\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"19:1-19:56\"\u003eBattery-powered sheep shearing clipper (fully charged)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"20:1-20:60\"\u003eCrutching combs and cutters (appropriate for your clipper)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"21:1-21:32\"\u003eCleaning brush and clipper oil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"22:1-22:25\"\u003eDisinfectant for blades\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"23:1-23:27\"\u003eSafety glasses and gloves\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"24:1-25:0\"\u003eSheep handling equipment (e.g., catching pen, hurdles)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"26:1-26:24\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreparing the Sheep:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-sourcepos=\"28:1-30:0\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"28:1-28:72\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClean and Dry:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ensure the sheep is clean and dry before crutching.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"29:1-30:0\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRestrain Safely:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use appropriate handling techniques to restrain the sheep safely and minimize stress.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"31:1-31:24\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCrutching Techniques\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"33:1-33:14\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1. Breech:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-sourcepos=\"35:1-38:0\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"35:1-35:25\"\u003eStart at the tail head.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"36:1-36:51\"\u003eUse long, smooth strokes against the wool growth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"37:1-38:0\"\u003eClear the area around the anus and vulva (in ewes).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"39:1-39:12\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2. Tail:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-sourcepos=\"41:1-43:0\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"41:1-41:23\"\u003eHold the tail firmly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"42:1-43:0\"\u003eClear the wool around the dock.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"44:1-44:28\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3. Belly (if necessary):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-sourcepos=\"46:1-47:0\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"46:1-47:0\"\u003eShear from the crutch area along the belly towards the udder.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"48:1-48:23\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4. Udder (in ewes):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-sourcepos=\"50:1-52:0\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"50:1-50:41\"\u003eCarefully remove wool around the udder.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"51:1-52:0\"\u003eEnsure teats are clearly visible.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"53:1-53:12\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e5. Legs:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-sourcepos=\"55:1-56:0\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"55:1-56:0\"\u003eClear wool from the inside of the back legs to prevent urine staining.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"57:1-57:33\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTips for Effective Crutching:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-sourcepos=\"59:1-64:0\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"59:1-59:64\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaintain Skin Tension:\u003c\/strong\u003e This helps to avoid nicks and cuts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"60:1-60:71\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUse Long, Smooth Strokes:\u003c\/strong\u003e This ensures a clean and efficient cut.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"61:1-61:61\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAvoid Second Cuts:\u003c\/strong\u003e Repeated cuts can irritate the skin.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"62:1-62:90\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBe Mindful of Sensitive Areas:\u003c\/strong\u003e Take extra care around the eyes, mouth, and genitals.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"63:1-64:0\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAllow the Clipper to Cool Down:\u003c\/strong\u003e Periodically stop and let the clipper cool to prevent overheating.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"65:1-65:32\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClipper Care and Maintenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-sourcepos=\"67:1-75:0\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"67:1-69:60\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCleaning and Disinfecting:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul data-sourcepos=\"68:5-69:60\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"68:5-68:51\"\u003eClean the blades after each use with a brush.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"69:5-69:60\"\u003eDisinfect the blades to prevent the spread of disease.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"70:1-72:42\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOiling and Sharpening:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul data-sourcepos=\"71:5-72:42\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"71:5-71:58\"\u003eRegularly oil the blades to ensure smooth operation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"72:5-72:42\"\u003eSharpen or replace blades as needed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"73:1-75:0\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBattery Care:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul data-sourcepos=\"74:5-75:0\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"74:5-75:0\"\u003eFollow the manufacturer's instructions for charging and storage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"76:1-76:29\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSafety and Animal Welfare\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-sourcepos=\"78:1-82:0\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"78:1-78:62\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWear Safety Gear:\u003c\/strong\u003e Always wear safety glasses and gloves.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"79:1-79:78\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHandle the Clipper with Care:\u003c\/strong\u003e Avoid dropping or mishandling the clipper.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"80:1-80:84\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimize Stress:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use gentle handling techniques to reduce stress on the sheep.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-sourcepos=\"81:1-82:0\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAvoid Injury:\u003c\/strong\u003e Be careful to avoid cutting the sheep's skin.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"83:1-83:119\"\u003eBy following these guidelines, you can safely and effectively crutch your sheep, promoting their health and well-being.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"AGsupplies.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41384950693931,"sku":"","price":9.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2971\/6402\/files\/HowtoCrutchaSheepAComprehensiveGuideEbookcover.png?v=1742349685"}],"url":"https:\/\/agsupplies.nz\/collections\/frontpage.oembed","provider":"Agsupplies.com.au","version":"1.0","type":"link"}