Transporting sheep

[BarredCometLaced]

I have my eyes set on the California Red breed... unfortunately the only breeders are about 2300 miles away and 400 miles away form my home (although the ones 2300miles away look of better quality). I know that travelling with lambs can be stressful on them, but there are no breeders in NE (New England). I have my heart set on this breed, so if any of you know of some breeders a little closer to New England that would be nice!

On the other hand, if that doesn't work out, it would be a 4 day trip driving for 10 hours(5 hours per person). I was looking at ways to keep lambs comfortable during transport and there are not many resources. Any ideas? How much trailer space would be the min. for twenty little lambs? I have a portable fence/coral that would allow them to stretch their legs, and then a deep bed of saw dust in the trailer. Can classical music calm lambs? There would be frequent stops for feeding and a camera hooked from the truck to the trailer for monitoring. I read somewhere that B complex can help with stress. Also, having dividers so there would be only 4-5 lambs in several sections down the trailer to prevent piling. Any ideas?

If anyone knows of breeders near New England that would be really helpful! I know of Apple Rose Farm in NJ, but that is it.

THANKS

 

[BarredCometLaced]

bump?

 

[danischi24]

Taking them in & out to stretch their legs is unnecessary & stressful as would be any kind of music. Just keep them quiet & semi dark & get it over with as quickly as possible. Minimize interruptions, movement & noise. Contact the breed association for a list of breeders near you.

 

[WallabyOfChaos]

I wouldn't take them out to stretch. The world is a dangerous place for livestock and they will be safest inside the trailer. Do you know how much the lambs will weigh? That will help out a lot in determining how much trailer space you need.

Also, is there any way you can find another person or two to drive with you and your partner so you can eliminate stopping to sleep? Four days standing on a trailer is going to make for a lot of shipping stress.