Frequently Asked Questions
Find here the answers to the most frequently asked questions from our customers and prospects. If you can't find the answer to your question, don't hesitate to contact us.
Orders & Quotes
How do I place an order on your website?
You can order directly from our online shop by adding products to your cart. For custom projects or volume orders, please contact us for a personalised quote.
Can I request a personalised quote?
Yes, absolutely. For custom projects, large quantities or specific configurations, contact us through our Contact page or by phone. We'll respond within 24 to 48 hours with a detailed quote.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept credit card (Visa, Mastercard) and PayPal directly online. For payment by bank wire or cheque, as well as professional terms (30-day wire transfer), please contact us with your order details — we'll send you a quote and our bank details.
Are the displayed prices excluding or including VAT?
Our prices are displayed both excluding VAT (HT) and including VAT (TTC, 20% VAT included). The TTC price is what you pay as a private customer. Professionals with an EU VAT number may benefit from VAT exemption.
Do you offer payment plans?
For large orders, we can offer payment plans in instalments. Contact us to discuss options based on your order amount.
Delivery & Pickup
What are the delivery times?
Products in stock are dispatched within 3 to 5 working days. For items made to order or custom fabrications, delivery takes 2 to 4 weeks depending on complexity. We'll inform you of the exact timeline upon order confirmation.
Do you deliver throughout France?
Yes, we deliver throughout metropolitan France. Shipping costs are calculated based on the weight and volume of items. For overseas territories and international shipping, please contact us for a transport quote.
Do you deliver to Belgium, the Netherlands or other European countries?
Yes, we can deliver to most European countries. Shipping costs vary depending on the destination. Contact us with your delivery address for an accurate shipping rate.
Can I pick up my order in person?
Yes, in-person pickup is free at our location: Les Calies, Lesterps 16420, Charente. Simply select the 'pickup' option when ordering or contact us to arrange an appointment.
How are bulky items shipped?
Bulky equipment (raceways, crates, complete systems) are shipped on pallets via specialised carriers. Delivery is made to ground level or field access with tail lift. We'll contact you to arrange a delivery date.
Products & Materials
Why choose aluminium for handling equipment?
Aluminium offers an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio: it's 3 times lighter than steel at equivalent strength, doesn't rust, requires no maintenance and lasts for decades. This makes it ideal for mobile systems and farmers who frequently move their equipment.
Are your products made in France?
A large part of our aluminium and stainless steel products are manufactured in our workshop in Charente (16). We also distribute trusted European partner brands such as Gallagher, Automed OS, Quadcrate and Birth Alarm.
Do you offer custom fabrications?
Yes, we produce custom panels, raceways, gates and systems in aluminium and stainless steel. Send us your plans or dimensions via our contact form, and we'll provide a quote tailored to your needs.
What is the lifespan of your equipment?
Our aluminium and stainless steel equipment is designed to last 20 years or more with minimal maintenance. Aluminium doesn't rust and retains its mechanical properties over time, even in humid agricultural environments.
Does your equipment suit all breeds?
Yes, our handling systems are adjustable and suit most sheep, cattle and goat breeds. Raceways, gates and crates are designed with adjustable widths. For particularly large or small breeds, we offer custom adaptations.
Handling & Restraint
What is the difference between fixed and mobile handling?
Fixed handling is permanently installed in a sheep house or farm building. It's more robust and ideal for intensive use. Mobile handling is designed to be easily moved, perfect for outdoor work or farmers with multiple sites.
How do I choose the right handling system for my farm?
The choice depends on several factors: your flock/herd size, animal type (sheep, cattle, goats), available space, and whether you need a fixed or mobile system. Contact us for personalised advice — we have over 20 years of experience in livestock equipment.
What is a turnover crate and what is it used for?
A turnover crate allows you to safely and ergonomically flip a ewe or sheep into a trimming position (on its back) without excessive physical effort. It's essential for foot care (hoof trimming), health checks and veterinary procedures.
How many animals can I process per hour with your systems?
With a complete type A handling system including raceway and sorting pen, an experienced farmer can process 200 to 300 sheep per hour for simple sorting, and 80 to 120 per hour for individual care (trimming, drenching, vaccination).
Sheep Handling — Raceways, Crates & Complete Systems
What is the price of a complete sheep handling system?
The price of a complete sheep handling system varies by configuration. A type A system with raceway, anti-backing gates and sorting pen starts at …. A 90° aluminium curve costs …, and an anti-backing gate …. For a mobile system with OviLight hurdles, budget … per hurdle. We offer custom quotes for complete installations including delivery and installation advice.
Aluminium or steel sheep handling: which material to choose?
Aluminium is 3 times lighter than steel at equivalent strength, never rusts and requires no maintenance. Galvanised steel is cheaper upfront but gets heavier over time (rust), needs regular anti-corrosion treatment and lasts less. For mobile sheep handling, aluminium is essential. For a fixed barn installation, aluminium remains preferable for its durability (20+ years) and easy cleaning.
How to install a sheep handling raceway in my barn?
Installing a sheep handling raceway requires a flat, stable surface (ideally concrete). Plan a minimum length of 6 to 8 metres for the raceway, plus a sorting pen area upstream and an exit area downstream. Our aluminium systems are fixed to the floor with concrete anchors or self-anchor by weight depending on the model. We provide an installation plan with every order and can visit for on-site advice in Charente and neighbouring departments.
Sheep handling crate: which one for vaccination and hoof trimming?
For vaccination, the OVISTOP (…) is ideal: it holds the animal standing and frees both the farmer's hands for injection. For hoof trimming, the turnover crate (…) is essential as it ergonomically positions the animal on its back. The OviLamb Box (…) is an excellent versatile option for small flocks, combining handling and weighing.
Mobile sheep handling: what solutions for outdoor work?
For outdoor sheep handling, our OviLight aluminium hurdles (… each) set up in minutes to form a temporary sorting pen. The Accordion kit (…) creates a guiding funnel. The Livestock Trailer suspension kit (…) adapts your hurdles to your vehicle. The entire setup weighs under 50 kg and fits in a pickup or on a quad with trailer. Ideal for farmers practising rotational grazing or working across multiple plots.
Electric Sheep Fencing — Nets, Energisers & Protection
Which electric sheep fence to choose for rotational grazing?
For rotational grazing, the Gallagher Smartfence (…) is the benchmark. It deploys in minutes with integrated posts, is 90cm high (sufficient for sheep) and rolls up easily for moving. For large areas, the combo pack of 10 nets (…) offers the best value. Pair it with an S40 energiser (…) for small paddocks or S400 (…) for large areas and terrain with heavy vegetation.
Electric sheep fence: which energiser for my flock?
The choice of energiser depends on fence length and vegetation. The Gallagher S40 (…) suits up to 4 km of netting on clean terrain. The S400 (…) handles up to 40 km and copes with moderate vegetation. For areas with heavy vegetation or very long installations, we can recommend more powerful models. In areas without mains power, all our energisers run on 12V rechargeable battery or solar panel.
How to protect my sheep from wolves with electric fencing?
Wolf protection requires reinforced electric fencing: double 90cm nets or 1.06m high nets, with a powerful energiser (minimum 1 joule output, S400 type or higher). The bottom of the net must touch the ground to prevent passage underneath. In confirmed wolf zones, we recommend combining electric fencing with guardian dogs and night lighting. Our Gallagher combo nets (pack of 10 at …) provide solid protection for a controlled investment.
Electric sheep fencing: how much does it cost for 1 hectare?
To fence 1 hectare (about 400m perimeter) with Smartfence nets, you need 4 to 5 nets (90m each), at … each. Add an S40 energiser (…) for small flocks. The 10-net combo pack at … covers about 2 hectares and offers significant savings. For permanent polywire installations we quote the cost based on the length and the terrain.
Electric sheep netting: how to install and maintain it properly?
To install electric sheep netting: 1) Unroll the net, pushing posts in every 3 metres. 2) Pull the bottom taut so it touches the ground. 3) Connect to the energiser with the supplied cable. 4) Check voltage with a voltmeter (minimum 3,000V on the fence). For maintenance: regularly clear vegetation along the fence line (vegetation reduces voltage), check connectors after heavy rain, and roll up nets in winter to extend their lifespan. A well-maintained net lasts 8 to 10 years.
Lambing & Equipment — Pens, Monitoring & Supplies
What lambing equipment is essential to get started?
Essential lambing equipment includes: aluminium lambing pens (our 8-pen pack … is the most popular), double racks for pens (… each), a Super Crook shepherd's crook (…) for stress-free ewe catching, and a Birth Alarm monitoring system for night births. Add heat lamps, bottles and syringes for lamb care. All this equipment is available in our shop.
Aluminium lambing pens: benefits and pricing?
Aluminium lambing pens offer many advantages over wood or steel: they're 3 times lighter, don't rust, clean easily with a pressure washer (crucial hygiene during lambing), are stackable for storage, and last 20+ years. Our pack of 8 pens at 1.22m is … for the pack. Individual hurdles are also available (…). They assemble without tools and configure in minutes.
How to monitor lambing at night: Birth Alarm and alternatives?
The Birth Alarm system is the most reliable solution for monitoring lambing at night. The sensor belt (…) is placed on the ewe and detects contractions. The Birth Alarm Premium unit (…) sends an alert to a dedicated receiver, while the Birth Alarm Mobile (…) sends an SMS directly to your mobile phone. For small flocks, a surveillance camera with night vision can complement the setup. The Birth Alarm + camera combination offers the best peace of mind.
Lambing equipment for beginners: where to start?
For a beginner farmer in lambing, start with the essentials: a lambing pen pack (… for the 8-pen pack) to isolate ewes and their lambs, a shepherd's crook (…) for gentle animal catching, and pen racks (…) so the ewe has hay access. If your flock exceeds 50 ewes, invest in a Birth Alarm Mobile (…) for night births. Choose aluminium for its lightness and easy cleaning. Our team can help you size your installation.
How to prepare the barn for lambing season?
Preparing the barn for lambing includes: 1) Complete cleaning and disinfection of pens and floor. 2) Setting up aluminium lambing pens — plan 1 pen per 10 ewes minimum. 3) Installing racks and water points in each pen. 4) Checking the lighting system (ewes often lamb at night). 5) Fitting Birth Alarm on the first ewes due. 6) Preparing a lambing kit (bottles, rings, iodine, syringes). Our aluminium pens set up in minutes and clean easily between each ewe.
Sheep Weighing — Systems, Scales & Equipment
What are the best sheep weighing equipment options for French farming?
For sheep weighing in French farming, we recommend our Gallagher weighing kits (model 580 with W0 indicator) paired with 600mm or 1000mm weigh bars. These systems offer 100g precision, are compatible with electronic tag readers, and are built for field conditions. Our lamb scale is ideal for tracking lamb growth from birth.
Sheep scale: which model should you choose?
The right sheep scale depends on your use case. For weighing lambs only, our compact lamb scale (100 kg capacity) is sufficient. For a whole flock, the 580 weighing kit with W0 indicator and 600mm weigh bars is the most versatile. For farmers with an existing handling raceway, the bars integrate directly under the existing floor. Our Gallagher models also support Bluetooth connection with tag readers for automated individual tracking.
Where to buy an electronic sheep weighing scale in France?
You can buy an electronic sheep weighing scale directly from our OVIHANDLING online shop, with delivery across France. We offer Gallagher systems (weigh bars, W0 indicators) and our own scales manufactured in Charente. Free pickup is also available at Les Calies, Lesterps (16420). For professionals, we offer guidance in choosing and installing equipment.
Sheep handling crate with weighing: price and options?
Our handling crates with integrated weighing start …. The OviLamb Box combines handling and weighing in one compact unit. For complete systems (crate + raceway + weigh bars + indicator) we prepare a quote based on the configuration. All prices are shown excl. and incl. VAT in our shop. Contact us for a custom quote.
Comparison of sheep weighing scales: features and prices
Here's a comparison of our sheep weighing solutions: the lamb scale (…) is ideal for lamb growth tracking. The 580 weighing kit with W0 (…) is the most versatile with Bluetooth and data storage. The Gallagher 600mm weigh bar (…) integrates under an existing raceway. The W0 indicator alone (…) suits farmers who already have weigh bars. All systems offer 100g precision and are compatible with electronic tag readers.
Electronic weighing system for sheep flock: how does it work?
An electronic sheep flock weighing system consists of three components: weigh bars (strain gauges) installed under the raceway or scale floor, a weigh indicator that displays and records weights, and optionally an electronic tag reader to automatically identify each animal. The animal enters the weighing area, weight is captured in seconds, and data is stored or transferred to flock management software. Our Gallagher systems also enable automatic sorting by weight.
How to choose a sheep weighing system suitable for a small farm?
For a small farm (under 100 ewes), a simple lamb scale or a 600mm weigh bar kit with W0 indicator is the most cost-effective solution. You don't need a full system with automatic sorting. The W0 indicator is enough to record weights and track growth. Indicative budget: from … for the indicator alone to … for a complete kit. For a minimal investment, start with the W0 indicator and one weigh bar, then expand your setup over time.
How to weigh a sheep without stress?
To weigh a sheep without stress, use a handling raceway that naturally guides the animal to the weighing area without rough handling. Aluminium is preferable as its light surface doesn't create shadow zones that worry animals. Our raceway-integrated weighing systems allow quick weighing (3-5 seconds) without fully stopping the animal. Avoid loud noises and sudden movements. Working in groups, following the flock's natural flow, significantly reduces stress.
Mobile solutions for sheep weighing on difficult terrain
For outdoor sheep weighing or on difficult terrain, we offer several mobile solutions. Our OviLight aluminium hurdles can be set up and taken down in minutes to create temporary handling pens. Gallagher weigh bars are portable and run on rechargeable batteries. The W0 indicator is compact and weather-resistant. For rough terrain, our lightweight aluminium systems (3 times lighter than steel) are easily transported on a quad or in a livestock trailer.
What is the recommended weighing frequency for breeding lambs?
The recommended weighing frequency for breeding lambs depends on the objective. For growth monitoring, weigh at birth, then every 14 days until weaning (about 90 days). After weaning, monthly weighing is sufficient. For genetic selection, weigh at 30 days, 70 days and at weaning. For health monitoring, weekly weighing helps detect health issues quickly (parasitism, deficiencies). An average daily gain below 200g/day in a growing lamb should alert the farmer.
Second-hand sheep weighing crate: is it a good investment?
Buying a second-hand sheep weighing crate may seem economical but carries risks: worn weigh bars (loss of precision), corroded steel components, no warranty, and incompatibility with modern indicators. Our new aluminium equipment offers 20+ year lifespan, doesn't rust, and comes with warranty and technical support. For tight budgets, contact us: we occasionally offer demonstration equipment or special deals on complete kits.
Weighing & Identification
How does electronic animal weighing work?
Our weighing systems use weigh bars (strain gauges) placed under the scale floor or integrated into raceways. The weigh indicator displays real-time weight and can store data for each animal, linked to electronic tag readers.
Are weigh indicators compatible with tag readers?
Yes, our Gallagher indicators (W0, W-series) are compatible with Agrident tag readers and other brands via Bluetooth. This allows automatic association of each animal's weight with its official identification number.
Can I integrate weighing into my existing raceway?
Yes, our weigh bar kits (600mm, 1000mm) install easily under the floor of an existing raceway. You just need a flat surface under the scale. We can advise on the most suitable installation.
Fencing & Grazing
Which electric fence should I choose for my sheep?
For sheep, we recommend an electrified netting of 90cm height (such as the Gallagher Smartfence) paired with a suitable energiser (S40 or S400). The nets are easy to move for rotational grazing and provide reliable protection against predators.
Do electric nets protect against wolves and predators?
Electric nets provide an effective first line of defence. For enhanced wolf protection, we recommend double netting or a 1.06m high net with a powerful energiser (minimum 1 joule output). Complementary devices (lights, livestock guardian dogs) are also recommended.
Shearing & Care
Which shearer should I choose for sheep shearing?
For regular use up to 50-100 animals, the OviShear Pro portable shearer offers excellent value for money. For larger flocks or intensive professional use, the FarmBlade is more suitable with its more powerful motor and interchangeable combs.
How do I maintain my sheep's feet?
Regular hoof trimming (2 to 3 times per year) is essential for preventing footrot. We offer quality manual shears and a turnover crate for comfortable and ergonomic trimming. The F3010 hoof kit completes your care equipment.
Lambing & Birth
What equipment do you offer for lambing?
We offer aluminium lambing pens (packs of 8), separation hurdles, double racks for pens, heat lamps and all the small equipment needed (shepherd's crooks, syringes, bottles). Our pens are lightweight, stackable and easy to clean.
How does the Birth Alarm system work?
Birth Alarm is a foaling monitoring system for mares and ponies. A sensor belt is placed on the animal and detects characteristic labour movements. When foaling is imminent, the system sends an alert to your mobile phone or a dedicated receiver.
Quad Accessories & Transport
Do your quad trailers fit all quads?
The CLH livestock trailer is designed with a standard hitch that fits most quads and UTVs on the market. It's modular and can transport up to 4-6 sheep or a calf. Contact us with your quad model to verify compatibility.
Can the calf transporter carry other animals?
The Quadcrate calf transporter is primarily designed for calves, but it can also be used to transport sick lambs, injured ewes or small equipment. Its robust and secure design ensures animal welfare during transport.
After-Sales Service & Warranty
What warranty do your products come with?
Consumers have a 2-year legal guarantee of conformity and protection against hidden defects on all products, including distributed brands. Our terms also provide an additional 6-month commercial guarantee. For business purchases, the contractual guarantee lasts 6 months from delivery (Part 3 of the terms).
Do you supply spare parts?
Yes, we stock spare parts for all our products and the brands we distribute. Contact us with your product reference and we'll let you know the availability and price of the required parts.
Can I return a product if I'm not satisfied?
Consumers may withdraw within 14 days of delivery without giving a reason. Made-to-measure or clearly personalised goods are excluded. Consumers pay direct return costs; excessive handling may reduce the refund, but use alone does not cancel the right to withdraw. Business purchases do not have this withdrawal right (Part 3 of the terms).
How can I contact you for after-sales support?
You can reach us via our contact form, by email or by phone. We aim to respond to all after-sales enquiries within 24 business hours. For emergencies during lambing season, we can respond more quickly.
Fairs, Events & Resellers
Where can I see your products in person?
You can visit our premises at Les Calies, Lesterps (16) by appointment. We also attend numerous agricultural shows across France and Europe throughout the year. Check our Fairs & Resellers page for upcoming events.
How can I become an OVIHANDLING reseller?
We're looking for professional resellers throughout France and Europe. Fill in our contact form selecting 'Become a reseller' or contact us directly. We'll present our partnership terms, reseller pricing and marketing support.
