Hamilton Sheep Handler

9 posts

Member for

12 years 6 months
Last seen: 01/12/2020 - 21:19
Joined: 09/23/2011 - 16:27

Hamilton Sheep Handler

G'day Guys, I have just purchased a second hand Hamilton double sided sheep Handler to assist in the husbandry tasks for our small flock of Dorpers. I know it is a long shot; but, would anyone happen to have a user manual that they could scan and send to me? I have searched high and low for something on the Internet with no luck. The handler is in great condition and doesn't seem to have done much work. I would like to understand what adjustments and maintenance is recommended as opposed to the tired old method of learning from mistakes. Cheers Craig
Last seen: 03/08/2018 - 21:05
Joined: 07/23/2015 - 11:52

Craig,

 

I am trying to find some info on this as well.  I have a friend down south who is bringing me one up that needs a little repair.  I also have a few Dorpers that are proving difficult to handle. He has sent me a photo and from what little info I can find on the web it looks to be an early model.

 

Have you had any luck tracking down any info?

 

Cheers

 

Andrew

Last seen: 01/12/2020 - 21:19
Joined: 09/23/2011 - 16:27
Andrew, No information as yet and my first experiment was a bit of a disaster with the sheep jumping out as they were turned over almost damaging legs etc. I adjusted what I could but they just weren't held tight enough. After running half a dozen through with no success I put it aside to have a think about it. It had been used for goats and mechanically it seems fine. What I don't know is what is missing if anything. perhaps when yours arrives we can compare notes. I'll take some photos on the weekend and perhaps a video of how mine looks and works. Until of course I put the sheep in. Haha. I was thinking of some sort of restraint strap until I figure out what is wrong. in theory it should make life easier! Cheers Craig
Last seen: 03/08/2018 - 21:05
Joined: 07/23/2015 - 11:52

Craig,

 

I have not had the device delivered yet. Just trying to screenshot an image for you of it here to see how similar yours is.  I assume I will be able to attach panels to the middle section and have a line of panels past one side to create some kind of race?  I am planning on putting a bag of sand or deadweight in the opposite side.

Last seen: 04/25/2022 - 10:29
Joined: 04/24/2022 - 18:06

there seems to be a lot of the Sheep Handler missing

Last seen: 01/12/2020 - 21:19
Joined: 09/23/2011 - 16:27
Andrew, I will send you a couple of photos of mine, perhaps a different model but there appears to be a few bits missing. You are right about making a race. There isn't a requirement for a sand bag as once you have grabbed the first one you are balanced as one is being lifted and the placed in the chute it came from. I will try to video it "working". Cheers Craig
Last seen: 03/08/2018 - 21:05
Joined: 07/23/2015 - 11:52

Craig,

 

It looks like my one has had some work done to it over the years.  It looks like the race has to be on the closest side in the photo with the sheep coming along from the far side.  They would have to then get past the steel gusset that looks like maybe an addition?  It does not look like a very friendly thing to have on the side of the race.  It might become more apparent when I see it.  It does look to have some adjustment for animal size.  Some farmers over time have been a bit hard on their animals and I want to avoid any injury if possible with this.  One thing I have seen on various catchers is a floor panel that swing up with the animal then flips open.  The other thing I found that I like is the UK version that rolls on the spot. It just takes one aminal at a time and they always stay in line with the race.

Last seen: 03/08/2018 - 21:05
Joined: 07/23/2015 - 11:52

Craig,  I have decided to abandone this handler.  I am going to make something like the combi handler.  I have some scales and want to incorporate these into the design and this should work well.  With less husbandry practices for Dorpers the combi is all I need.  Also - with the seemingly constant pregnant state of the Dorpers it will be useful a lot more of the time.  Also, I reckon I have enough materials to build it already.  Will somehow try and contact you with what I come up with.

Last seen: 04/25/2022 - 10:29
Joined: 04/24/2022 - 18:06

I managed to purchase a Hamilton Sheep Handler - complete but rusty - I was going to pull it apart and replaced any damaged sections and get it working properly - does any one have any good clear photos of the mechanisms.

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