Killer Ewe - any ideas

[GrannyAching]

My ewes are all quiet and easy to handle as a rule.

I've got one though, that seems to be turning psycho.

She's about a week off lambing, expecting twins. In the last week she has suddenly started having bouts of behavior where she tears around, head down - looking like a ram charging, she bashes into the other ewes and this evening she took one look at my helper and ran straight towards her looking like she was going to take her out completely. Luckily, the ewe did swerve away when the helper shouted and waved her arms. Once she's done this she's back to her old calm self. I have pulled her out into a paddock now with just a couple of companions more to try and keep her, me and the other ewes safe but she is a worry.

Anyone got any ideas, please? I wonder if it's some weird hormone problem that will disappear after lambing but if there is something I can do now, I'd rather - I definitely don't want a fractured pelvis or a trip to hospital.

 

[spin cycle]

leave her out and let her get on with it?

 

[Al R]

I’ve got an idiot Welsh that’s like that and been like that the last 3 years. Runs 400metres across the field dodging other ewes/ hitting over lambs. Always seems ok and can’t tell which one she is apart from at lambing ?‍

 

[twizzel]

Magnesium deficiency can sometimes cause crazy erratic behaviour ?

 

[Skintagain]

Magnesium deficiency can sometimes cause crazy erratic behaviour ?

I will put a bucket in kitchen for my Mrs I think then

 

[Nithsdale]

Magnesium deficiency can sometimes cause crazy erratic behaviour ?

Maybe... but the cure is 1 shot of 5.6mm lead.

 

[yellowbelly]

Maybe... but the cure is 1 shot of 5.6mm lead.

Take no prisoners.........
Carry no passengers.......
Shoot first, ask questions later........

IMHO, always the best policy ?

 

[Nithsdale]

Take no prisoners.........
Carry no passengers.......
Shoot first, ask questions later........

IMHO, always the best policy ?

 

[GrannyAching]

Maybe... but the cure is 1 shot of 5.6mm lead.

Yes she is definitely on the cull list. I just want to survive long enough to do it!

She's quite old and has been a darling up to now - one if quads, hand reared its without being spoilt.

 

[Nithsdale]

Yes she is definitely on the cull list. I just want to survive long enough to do it!

She's quite old and has been a darling up to now - one if quads, hand reared its without being spoilt.

Probably answers the behavioural problem

 

[GrannyAching]

Probably answers the behavioural problem

But doesn't explain six years of being a typical sheep! I should probably have said bucket reared - sorry. I really don't do pets, no matter how much I like them.

 

[Skintagain]

Probably answers the behavioural problem

I try and only bring wether back for my Mrs to rear. She is very matter of fact and knows thing have a place but I don’t want to risk any temptations with keeping pet lambs.

 

[Al R]

I try and only bring wether back for my Mrs to rear. She is very matter of fact and knows thing have a place but I don’t want to risk any temptations with keeping pet lambs.

No pets, no issue ?‍

 

[Skintagain]

No pets, no issue ?‍

None for last two years. One brain damaged wether currently on bottle as it wouldnt stand been on a ewe but it is coming around now. All other spares have been fostered onto other ewes at the end as had a few singles in last few. Left a few triplets on.

 

[GrannyAching]

But doesn't explain six years of being a typical sheep! I should probably have said bucket reared - sorry. I really don't do pets, no matter how much I like them.

I'm just repeating because this seems to have been latched onto as the reason. I agree no pets, no issues. This isn't a pet.

 

[GrannyAching]

Magnesium deficiency can sometimes cause crazy erratic behaviour ?

Thanks @twizzel I will try a drench on the off chance.

 

[Nithsdale]

I'm just repeating because this seems to have been latched onto as the reason. I agree no pets, no issues. This isn't a pet.

But you said bucket reared...

It's been raised by you, not other sheep. It will have a very different attitude towards people than other sheep, which will show itself as having much less respect (it isn't wary), it has no fear of man so it fights instead of flights...

Any bucket reared 'pet' lamb or calf here has been a twunt for this when it's older

Hard rule is if you hand rear it, cull it.

 

[GrannyAching]

But you said bucket reared...

It's been raised by you, not other sheep. It will have a very different attitude towards people than other sheep, which will show itself as having much less respect (it isn't wary), it has no fear of man so it fights instead of flights...

Any bucket reared 'pet' lamb or calf here has been a twunt for this when it's older

Hard rule is if you hand rear it, cull it.

Ok I get your clarification re the age and noted.

 

[Dry Rot]

Brain damage? Gid?

 

[Chopsy Varmint]

Magnesium deficiency can sometimes cause crazy erratic behaviour ?

In horses and people too.

I will put a bucket in kitchen for my Mrs I think then

Funny man but in all seriousness around 60% of the population are magnesium deficient. Not good and as well as causing behavioural changes, mood swings, migraines etc deficiency is implicated in pre-diabetic insulin resistance.

I dare you to buy her a bag of kale and stick a bow on it.