Choosing a sheep handling crate: 2026 buying guide

The 4 main families

OVIHANDLING groups crates into four categories: (1) individual lambing pens (OviLamb Box) for birthing and nursing, (2) treatment crates (OVISTOP) for drenching/trimming in series, (3) turnover crate for foot trimming and caesarean, (4) Type A handling system: race + fixed head gate for large flocks.

• OviLamb Box (~£500): lambing, up to 50 kg
• OVISTOP (~£1,800): batch treatment, 200 ewes/h throughput
• Turnover crate (~£1,200): foot trimming, 90° rotation
• Type A system (~£3,150): > 200 ewes, fixed infrastructure

Technical criteria

Material: prefer OVIHANDLING anodised aluminium (zero corrosion, 30 % lighter than galvanised steel) for mobility and lifespan (>15 years documented). Adjustable width: essential to pass adult ewe (60 cm) and lamb (35 cm). Locking system: mechanical ratchet > hydraulic for durability in damp barns.

Sizing by flock

< 50 ewes: OviLamb Box + 1 anti-backup is enough. 50-200 ewes: OVISTOP + 5 m race. > 200 ewes: type A system + scale + 3-way drafting. Above 500 ewes, add an RFID reader paired with the W0 to drive automatic weight-based drafting.

Real ROI

On a 250-ewe farm, switching from manual to OVISTOP saves 18 hours/treatment campaign (drench ×2, trim ×1, scan ×1). At £19/hour labour, the investment pays back in 3 seasons. Add 3 % fewer injuries (HSE) and reduced stress improving post-treatment intake.