Are Any Sheep Falling Behind?

Quick decision • 3 min read

Short Answer

A sheep falling behind is often an early warning sign that something isn't quite right. The most vulnerable sheep are usually the first to show signs when conditions begin to affect the mob. Start by ruling out the most common causes first: feed, feet, worms and competition. Then work towards the less obvious explanations if the sheep is still not improving.

YES
NO
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1First
Step

Is There Enough Feed?

Before looking for health problems, make sure there is enough feed available.

Ask yourself:

  • Is there enough grass available?
  • Has pasture quality declined?
  • Are certain sheep being pushed off feed by more dominant animals?
  • Have grazing conditions changed recently?

Winter is when feed shortages often begin to show up.

The first sheep to struggle are usually the most vulnerable sheep in the mob.

Feed may be contributing.
If feed is short, consider forward grazing, separating vulnerable sheep, moving them onto better feed, or reviewing your winter rotation.
Walking normally?
2Next
Step

Is It Walking Normally?

Many sheep fall behind because walking is uncomfortable.

Watch the sheep move.

Ask yourself:

  • Is it lame?
  • Is it walking evenly?
  • Is it reluctant to move?
  • Is it spending more time lying down than normal?

If the sheep is not walking normally, catch it if practical and inspect:

  • Hooves.
  • Feet.
  • Legs.
  • Signs of injury.

Many sheep that are falling behind are simply not getting enough feed because they're uncomfortable walking.

Don't overlook lameness.
A simple foot problem can quickly cause a sheep to lose condition if it isn't moving freely. If you suspect lameness may be contributing, work through How To Treat Lame Sheep.
One sheep or several?
3Next
Step

Is It One Sheep Or Several?

This helps determine whether the issue is individual or affecting the wider mob.
One sheep:
A single sheep struggling often points towards an individual issue.

Examples include:

  • Lameness.
  • Injury.
  • Mouth issues.
  • Illness.
Several sheep:
If multiple sheep are falling behind, the cause is more likely to be a wider management issue.

Examples include:

  • Not enough feed.
  • Poor pasture quality.
  • Internal parasites.

If multiple sheep are affected, the issue may be becoming more urgent.

Take a step back and assess the whole mob before focusing on individual animals.

More vulnerable?
4 Next
Step

Is This Sheep More Vulnerable Than The Rest?

Some sheep naturally require more attention than others.
Vulnerable sheep simply losing the competition.

This is common on lifestyle farms.

Examples:

  • Older ewe.
  • Bottle lamb.
  • Triplet.
  • Sheep recovering from illness.
  • Sheep with poor teeth.
  • Sheep that have struggled in past winters.

Nothing is necessarily "wrong" with these sheep.

They're simply not coping as well as the others.

Forward grazing or creating a small management group can often make a significant difference.

These animals are often the first to show signs when something isn't quite right.

Ask yourself:

Has this sheep needed extra attention before?

If yes, observe more closely and consider:

  • Better feed.
  • Better shelter.
  • Less competition.
  • More frequent observation.
Could worms be contributing?
5Next
Step

Could Worms Be Contributing?

Internal parasites don't affect every sheep equally.

Although worm burdens are often lower during winter, worms can still affect:

  • Store lambs.
  • Younger sheep.
  • Sheep already under pressure.
  • Sheep with a history of worm problems.

Ask yourself:

  • Is this a store lamb?
  • Are multiple sheep falling behind?
  • Has this sheep struggled with worms previously?
Make a drenching decision first.
If worms may be part of the problem, work through Do I Need To Drench? before making a drenching decision.
Can it eat properly?
6Next
Step

Can It Eat Properly?

If feed is available but condition is slipping, check whether the sheep can actually eat enough.

This is particularly relevant for:

  • Older sheep.
  • Pet sheep.
  • Sheep with a history of poor condition.

Ask yourself:

  • Is the sheep chewing normally?
  • Is it dropping feed?
  • Does its mouth look comfortable?
  • Does it appear interested in feed but struggle to eat?
Don't overlook teeth or mouth issues.
Poor teeth are a common but often overlooked reason sheep fall behind, especially older sheep. If you suspect the sheep cannot eat properly, arrange a closer inspection or seek advice.
Still not improving?
7Final
Check

Is There Something More Serious Going On?

If the obvious causes don't explain it, don't just wait and hope.

By this point, you have considered many of the common causes.

Ask yourself:

  • Is the sheep continuing to lose weight?
  • Does it appear dull or depressed?
  • Is it separating itself from the mob?
  • Has it stopped eating normally?
  • Is it getting worse despite your management changes?
Know when to get help.
If you cannot identify the cause, or the sheep continues to deteriorate, contact a vet before the problem becomes harder to resolve.

If the sheep is bright, eating well and improving, continue with your management plan and reassess regularly.

Notice Problems Early

Most sheep problems don't appear overnight. Usually there are small warning signs first.

You don't need to diagnose every problem. You simply need to notice when a sheep is no longer doing as well as the rest of the mob.

Observe → Notice Change → Check Feed → Act Early