Sheep butt heads: causes of behavior, what to do and how to wean
There are various unpleasant situations when raising small cattle. Sometimes they are minor and do not create much trouble. But there are times when the behavior of animals threatens the he alth of the owners. So, if the sheep on the farm butt, then they can injure not only the owner, but also strangers. Using the advice of experienced herders, you can "discipline" pugnacious animals.
Reasons for unpleasant behavior
Cheerfulness is due to the biological, genetic characteristics of sheep. So they find out who is in charge in the herd and has great rights to the female.Especially animals become aggressive during the rut. The most pugnacious are rams with long horns. They enjoy authority over the entire herd, and few dare to compete with them.
Forehead stroking in young lambs influences alertness. Also, playful games with young animals, imitating butting, lead to increased pugnacity in adult animals. Therefore, experienced breeders do not recommend scratching the foreheads of lambs. Animal cruelty can affect pugnacity. If you constantly beat the young, then over time he will begin to butt the owner. Weaning a ram to "fight" is not easy and not always possible.
What to do if the ram butts?
Cattle breeders give different ways to “appease” sheep. For example, put him separately from everyone else in a corral. Then the cattle will not injure their relatives and, perhaps, will subside over time. The method does not always help, so it must be combined with other methods.
Try to train the animal with petting and treats. You need to treat him kindly, with love. While eating your favorite food. Stroke while feeding. You need to stroke the neck, torso, you can not touch the area between the horns. Over time, the animal will get used to it and stop butting.
Some farmers use force instead of affection. They carry a stick with them, such as a shovel handle. In the event of the beginning of aggression, they beat them lightly between the horns. This cools the ardor of the animal. The method is dangerous, you can not calculate the force of impact, and injure the ram. An aggressive reaction of cattle is not excluded.
The front limbs are also tied together. They are not tied tightly so that the animal can walk, but not run. Then it will not be able to scatter and hook its head. Sometimes the horns are entangled with a chain, to the end of which a load is tied. This makes the ram lie down.
Attract "high technology". A dog collar is used. A shocker with a remote control is inserted into it. As soon as the ram accelerates to strike, the button is pressed, and the shock will paralyze the ram. According to farmers, cattle cease to be aggressive after a week. You also need to remember that you should not turn your back on awake animals.
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