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Crooks
A history of crooks & Premier…
When I returned to the USA 30 years ago, the only crook available was made of oak or hickory. It was (and still is) strong, heavy, clumsy and ugly. The crook portion of the stick was a "lick and a promise" job. When the wood became wet or damp these crooks gradually revert to their original form--a straight stick. Sweet chestnut crooks, by contrast, are lightweight, strong, easy to handle and attractive…but also gradually lose their "crook" if left outside in humid climates.
Aluminum is not affected by water. We tried (and still use) leg crooks made from solid aluminum rod. (Neck crooks made of solid aluminum rod bend too easily.) Neck crooks made of aluminum tube are very light and quick in your hand. But the crook portion is too small for some large USA sheep breeds (the crooks are made overseas). Tubular crooks resist bending better than solid rod. But instead of bending the tube breaks.
But aluminum, if uncoated, constantly oxidizes--leaving black residue on hands and clothes. To prevent this we introduced anodized aluminum crooks 6 years ago. Three years ago we included thicker-wall aluminum tube crooks (RedCote) that are coated with plastic.
And we found the Colroy crook (coated fiberglass handle with molded plastic head). Though costly, it's the best neck crook.
A sheep crook tip…
Catching sheep by the leg has some advantages over a neck crook--particularly for range & pasture lambing--when a shepherd needs to catch a ewe that has just lambed.
Here's how it's done: Catch the ewe's newborn(s). Lay the crook between the lamb and ewe (crook head toward the ewe). The ewe will likely face her lamb in this situation. Encourage the ewe closer with the lamb. When the ewe's front foot is near, raise the crook and snare the leg.
Crooks for goats…
Catching goats by the front leg with a leg crook is the best method as goats, unlike sheep, strongly prefer to face you.
Neck crooks designed specially for goats do not exist yet. You can use any sheep neck crook to help you catch a goat. However their slim neck, lack of wool and agility make this "catch" problematic. A helpful tip--sharply twist the crook once the neck is inside the loop. It applies pressure to both sides of the neck and can provide precious extra time.
