Mobile sheep dipping is a convenient and affordable way to protect your flock from disease. In order for the process to go smoothly, there are a few things you can do to prepare for the visit.

Find a site

Mobile sheep dips are compact and usually fit on a trailer. However, you will need the service to park somewhere large enough that the vehicle can be manoeuvred safely in and out. Bear in mind that on the day the weather might not be so good and the site may be muddy. You will also need to be able to lead your flock through the dip, so you will need quite a large area to hold the mobile sheep dip and the animals that will need to go through it. Find out the size of the vehicle from the service in advance, and make sure you know how much room you will need to move your flock safely through it.

Prepare the animals

You should also make sure that the animals that need to be dipped are ready for the process. Make sure that you have sorted out the animals that need to be dipped, and ensure that they are kept in a field or holding pen nearby so that they can be led directly through. Lambs should be separated from older sheep for dipping, and there should be a clear route out into another field afterwards. It is a waste of time to track down animals when the service has already arrived or to realise afterwards that not all of the sheep were dipped when they needed it.

Consult with the service

Perhaps most importantly, make sure you consult with the service in advance about exactly what is to happen. They should know before they arrive how many animals will need to be processed, and you should have an idea of how long it will take. In particular, you should know who will dispose of the chemicals afterwards. Many mobile dip providers will do this as part of the service, but if it is not offered you will need to make sure you have adequate disposal facilities yourself. There are usually strict rules surrounding this, so it is important to be sure that all regulations are being followed.

Mobile sheep dipping is a fast and efficient way of ensuring your flock is prevented against disease, but a bit of planning on your part will ensure you get the best out of the service. Just ask your service what is expected, and things should run smoothly on the day. For more information on mobile sheep dipping, contact a company near you.