Sheep Handling Equipment

Sheep handling equipment is essential for creating safe, efficient, and welfare‑focused systems that support the daily management of flocks across UK farms. From routine tasks such as dosing, dagging, foot trimming, and weighing to more complex operations like drafting and inspection, well‑designed equipment ensures smooth sheep flow, reduces stress, and protects handlers.

Modern handling solutions are engineered to withstand the demands of British farming while offering flexibility for permanent, semi‑permanent, and mobile setups.

Importance of Sheep Handling Equipment

Effective sheep handling equipment plays a crucial role in flock management by:

• Supporting calm, controlled movement through races and pens
• Reducing stress and agitation for improved welfare outcomes
• Enhancing safety for farmers, contractors, and animals
• Increasing efficiency during busy periods, such as lambing or dosing
• Improving accuracy in weighing, drafting, and performance monitoring
• Allowing flexible layouts to suit different flock sizes and terrain

These benefits make handling equipment a vital investment for both smallholders and large commercial operations.

Core Components of Sheep Handling Systems

Sheep Hurdles

Sheep hurdles form the foundation of most handling systems. Available in lightweight or heavy‑duty designs, they allow farmers to create pens, holding areas, lambing pens, and temporary yards. Their portability and quick-connect features make them ideal for flexible, adaptable setups.

Sheep Hurdles

Sheep Races

Races guide sheep smoothly through the handling system. Straight and curved race sections, anti‑backing devices, and race arches help maintain consistent flow, reduce hesitation, and improve safety during dosing, dagging, and inspection.

Sheep Races

Forcing Pens

Forcing pens encourage sheep to move calmly into the race. Circular or semi-circular designs use natural flock behaviour to reduce stress and improve efficiency. Adjustable crowding gates help maintain steady movement.

Drafting & Sorting Equipment

Drafting systems allow farmers to sort sheep quickly based on weight, condition, breed, or treatment status. Options range from manual drafting gates to integrated three‑way drafting units.

Weighing & EID Integration

Modern flock management relies on accurate data. Weigh crates, load bars, digital indicators, and  EID readers, including EID Stick Readers and EID Tag Readers, integrate seamlessly with handling systems to support performance monitoring, compliance, and informed decision‑making.

Sheep Handlers

Sheep handlers provide secure restraint for tasks such as dosing, dagging, foot trimming, and inspection. Manual, semi‑automatic, and pneumatic models offer varying levels of efficiency and labour reduction.

The Clipex Sheep Handler is a world-leading, multi-purpose, all-in-one sheep handling system designed to make sheep handling safer, quicker, and easier.

It can Auto Draft up to 800 sheep per hour.

Handle up to 400 sheep per hour for drenching, needling, dagging, or tagging.

With full rear access, the Clipex Sheep Handler crutches up to 120 sheep per hour.

The Clipex All-in-One Auto Drafter ensures you’re fully equipped with loads of features, including 3-Way Draft, Load Bars & Premium Weight Indicator. All features below come as standard with no hidden costs:

• Trailer
• 3-Way Draft
• Foot Pedal
• Remote Access
• Load Bars
• Exceptional Weight Indicator
• Tag Reading System

Featuring a pre-catch gate and anti-backing technology, it can draft up to 800 sheep per hour with ease. It is FETF 72 Grant Approved, making it an excellent choice for UK farmers seeking efficiency and compliance.

Mobile Handling Systems

Mobile systems combine races, pens, and forcing areas into trailer‑mounted units. These are ideal for out-wintered flocks, multi-site operations, and contractors requiring fast setup in the field.

Design Features for Welfare & Efficiency

High‑quality sheep handling equipment is built with welfare and practicality in mind. Key features include:

• Galvanised steel for long‑term durability and corrosion resistance
• Smooth, rounded edges to prevent bruising and injury
• Non‑slip surfaces for secure footing
• Quiet operation to reduce stress
• Secure locking mechanisms for safe containment
• Modular designs for easy expansion or reconfiguration

These features ensure that handling systems remain safe, reliable, and effective in demanding farm environments.

Suitable for All Farm Setups

Sheep handling equipment can be configured to suit:

• Permanent yards for high‑volume operations
• Semi‑permanent systems for flexible flock management
• Mobile setups for fieldwork or multi‑site flocks
• Smallholder systems requiring compact, lightweight solutions

This adaptability ensures that farms of all sizes can build efficient, welfare‑friendly handling systems.

Building an Effective Sheep Handling System

A well-designed handling system improves safety, efficiency, and welfare across the flock. By combining hurdles, races, forcing pens, handlers, and weighing equipment, farmers can create a streamlined workflow that supports routine tasks and seasonal demands.

Sheep handling equipment is a long‑term investment that pays dividends in improved productivity, reduced labour, and better animal outcomes. With durable construction and modular flexibility, these systems are designed to meet the needs of modern UK sheep farming.

The Clipex Sheep Handler stands out as a premium solution, offering automated drafting capabilities and advanced features that enhance both handler safety and animal welfare. Its FETF 72 Grant Approved status also supports farmers in accessing funding to upgrade their handling systems efficiently.