Crutching in Sheershearing

Is crutching a healthy practice? The main reason to carry out crutching is to prevent the risks of fly-strike. As you know, flies feed off the sheep leading to a nasty condition. During shearing, crutching is a beneficial practice.

But what is exactly crutching? The procedure removes clumps of stained wool (called dags) from the rear end of sheep. Due to dags, the cases of inflammation are not uncommon. Sometimes new-born sheep suck on dags instead of teats.

Besides the health concerns of mother sheep, fly-strike is a threat to the new-born. And crutching makes sure the young ones do not swallow germs.

When to Plan Crutching

If you have a non-mulesed flock, crutching is crucial. Prior to the fly season, you should undertake the procedure. Crutching can protect the flock for more than a month. However, the protection wears out when the sheep scour.

Either way, you need to tidy up sheep for main crutching. They may get extremely dirty before the predicted fly season. Besides, you can crutch in late winter if shearing in autumn. The new-born can suck safely if pre-lambing crutching is done at the same of eliminating wool.

So, you should crutch before shearing in order to keep the sheep clear. Consider this in case shearing is at risk.

Other Things to Remember

  • It is safe to crutch at least once every year.
  • You cannot crutch on wet wool.
  • Consider the yearly cycle of husbandry.
  • Crutch when it’s closer to the time for shearing.
  • Crutching increases birth and successful mating rates

You can start crutching with a handpiece. Check out our online store for a wide range of handpieces!