How to Upright a Rain-Drenched Sheep
If you are out walking and find a sheep on its back, you must act immediately, or the sheep could die, before the farmer finds him/her.
In many places (like Cumbria) there are more sheep than people out-of-season. And farmers have a constant struggle looking after sheep, due to the grass never drying out (causing foot rot).
Although many sheep fall over due to pregnancy, others do so, due to wool coats becoming soaked with rain.
Always follow the Countryside Code, to keep dogs & livestock safe.
Sheep don’t sleep on their backs, due to having four stomach chambers.
To help:
- Gently approach the sheep on its back.
- Grab a handful of wool, and upright. Here’s a quick video.
- Keep hold of the sheep if it fell due to rain, to ensure heavy rain has drained off the wool.
- Say goodbye. The sheep will run off and likely join the flock.
- Alert the farmer, if you can. He or she will most definitely thank you!
