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Sheep to help with pony worm control?
Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2008 11:03 pm
by Mydreamlife
I have two rescue ponies that are 4* good doers! on restricted grazing for their own good. Although they are on a very strict worming program I would like tbeen very accomodating o graxe a couple of sheep on the paddock while the ponies are in the other and swap them periodically. I was taught at college that sheep eat the sortest grass that ponies/horses leave and are not effected by the same worms as horses so act as a worm eradication system! just wondered if advice still stands or whether it is another thing that has moved with the times!!
I would use a friends sheep to begin with but would like my own one day for meat for my partner and three children as well as 'rent' for our land from in laws!! it's always good to keep them sweet!
Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 2:53 pm
by Esther.R
Still stands - they are good to eat the grass the ponies won't touch, keep down the worm count and the grass!
I know the feeling with good doers - we are 3 shetlands (as well as two big cobs) and even here on Shetland we have to watch their waistlines!

Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 4:19 pm
by Mydreamlife
One is an exmoor cross, the other is a shetland! Both are rescues and have had laminitus etc. They are being practically starved and still struggling to feel and ribs! Nevr seen anything like it!! I have worked with racehorses and competition horses n the past so never had this problem!!!
THanks for the worm / sheep advice I am building up my case to pursuade my OH a couple would be a good idea!!

Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 9:19 pm
by ina
Mydreamlife wrote:
THanks for the worm / sheep advice I am building up my case to pursuade my OH a couple would be a good idea!!

There are so many good reasons for sheep: meat, wool, something cuddly for the kids...

Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 11:04 pm
by Mydreamlife
The case for sheep is building, maybe at the end of the summer.. maybe an in lamb ewe? OOOhhhhh how exciting...
Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 9:23 pm
by ina
Mydreamlife wrote: maybe an in lamb ewe? OOOhhhhh how exciting...
See - another good reason: lessons in life science for the kids!