Back, Sack and Crack

Last week we had a good look at the sheep's' hooves which were found to be in a terrible state and the dags were looking grim so Al got on the internet and ordered a pair of hand shears and nail-clippers.  There was no putting it off  when the tools arrived so this morning the sheep were corralled into the shelter (using maize as bait) and one by one they were tipped on their bums and they underwent a full pedicure and the sheep's equivalent of a Brazilian. We have never handled shears so carefully......

Here are the last 3 of the 8 looking nervous; they were hatching an unsuccessful escape plan at the time;

Here is one of the worst ewes' feet  with the nails completely curled under the hooves (this one had been a little lame at one point which prompted the exercise);

And here she is post pedicure;

She underwent a light pedicure to allow her hooves to get used to their new shape and will get another trim soon now we are a bit more practiced. Bizarrely the 2 rams were easier to handle than the ewes - think they may have been to a spa in the past as they seemed to enjoy being pampered.

We thought we wouldn't offend anyone's sensibilities with photos of dagging - we'll leave that to your imagination............and go wash our hands!