Iodine applicators for small heritage sheep: a DIY solution
Nothing we do to keep our sheep healthy is as basic and simple as putting iodine on every newborn Soay lamb’s navel. Just when the poor newborn is staggering around trying to figure out where on earth that udder and nipple are that it so urgently needs to find, the lamb’s moist umbilical is dragging through whatever sheep poop, straw, dirt, and other bacteria sources inevitably come its way. A single application of iodine during the lamb’s first few hours goes a long way to preventing infection through the cord pathway.
Commercial iodine applicator, way too big for small heritage sheep
Steve’s Handy Dandy Soay Lamb Iodine Applicator
I know nothing about pipe-fittings and connecting elbows and joints of PVC, not in my skill set. But I do know the trick is to have a vertical pipe with the bottom end closed and a right angle fitting at the top. That’s what makes the applicator so useful; you tip it over to apply the iodine and then simply tip it back up to keep the unused iodine for another day. You will need something to put the applicator in to store it upright when you’re done. A tall thin can from canned beans, or an old coffee mug, anything that won’t tip over. If it tips over, the iodine spills, obviously, and just your luck it will spill on your jeans and then whoever does laundry at your house will be crabby.
Somewhere back in the archives of this ancient blog there is a post, or maybe even a video, about how to apply the iodine. Since I have a brand new set of pictures, here is a quick refresher.
Fill the applicator about half full of fresh iodine, available at your local farm store. Buy the strongest iodine you can get. And then have at it.
Tip the lamb on its back. If it’s a ram, note where his little penis is, right below the naval. Do your best not to get iodine on the petite pecker; it really stings!
Line up the lip of the applicator as close to the remains of the umbilical cord as you can get. Note the applicator actually shields the ram’s penis as long as no iodine escapes from around the lip of the applicator.
Quickly tip the applicator and press firmly against the ram lamb’s belly. Hold for 2-3 seconds while the iodine permeates the cord.
Carefully tip the applicator back off the belly and at the same time start sliding the edge up the umbilical cord to prevent iodine from running down the belly towards the penis.
All done! Try to upend the lamb and get its feet on the ground in a quick movement before the iodine can run down the belly.
Ram lamb, none the worse for the experience, nestles in near mama Merrivale for a well-deserved nap
Questions about dimensions of the pipe parts and elbow? Give us a call. Happy lambing!
For now …