CHB Vets Ltd

10/08/2026

🐑 Keep an eye out for sleepy sickness this season

We’re seeing a few cases of sleepy sickness (pregnancy toxaemia) around the region at the moment.

This metabolic disorder is most common during the last few weeks of pregnancy, when the energy demands on ewes are at their highest.

⚠️ Risk factors include:
• Twin or triplet bearing ewes
• Undernutrition
• Stress
• Poor weather
• Illness or other health issues

🔎 Signs to look out for:
• Dull or slow ewes
• Staggering or weakness
• Appearing blind or disorientated
• Going off their feed

Early treatment while the ewe is still on her feet can make a big difference. We recommend daily metabolic treatments given orally and subcutaneously and a one-off dose of metacam under the skin.

Don’t underestimate a little TLC ❤️ — providing shelter, good-quality feed and fresh water can go a long way in supporting these ewes and the lambs on board 🐑🐑🐑

04/08/2026

Whether you're rearing hundreds of calves or raising a single pet calf or lamb, excellent colostrum management gives every newborn the best possible start in life. 🐄🐑💛

The first few hours after birth are critical, with good-quality colostrum providing the antibodies and energy young animals need to stay healthy, thrive, and grow.

Take a few minutes to have a read of this guide from Agrihealth and make sure your colostrum management is on track. Whether you're feeding fresh gold colostrum or high-quality powdered colostrum, small improvements now can make a big difference later.

📌 Check out the poster below and save it for easy reference throughout calving and lambing.

28/07/2026

Important update for pet owners and our community 🐦
As you will likely already be aware, H5N1 avian influenza has been detected in the country. There have been no detections in poultry, and the current risk to public health remains low.
If you come across a sick or dead bird:
• Do not touch or handle it
• Keep dogs, cats, and other pets well away
• Call us before bringing any bird to the clinic so we can advise on the safest next steps.
If you see three or more sick or dead wild birds in the same area, please report it to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) on 0800 809 966.
Staying vigilant helps protect our pets, wildlife, and communities. 💚
🔗 More information: https://hubs.la/Q04pRjyV0

27/07/2026

🌱Lambing season is underway in CHB! 🐑

Whether you're lambing a large flock or a few lifestyle ewes, we're here to help make the season a success.

We have your lambing essentials in the clinic, including:

🟢 Sleepy sickness & metabolic treatments for ewes
🟢 Bearing retainers & tape
🟢 Lamb teats & tube feeders
🟢 Electrolytes
🟢 Vaccines
🟢 Rubber rings & pain relief

🐑 For lambs:
• Every lamb needs plenty of quality colostrum within the first 6 hours of life
• Keep orphan lambs warm, dry, and well-fed with regular milk feeds
• Watch for signs of dehydration, weakness, or scours, and seek advice early if you're concerned

🐑 For ewes:
• Check ewes regularly during lambing, but avoid disturbing them unnecessarily
• Ensure they have access to good-quality feed, fresh water, and shelter from bad weather
• Keep an eye out for signs of milk fever, sleepy sickness, mastitis, or difficult lambings

📍Pop into the clinic to stock up on your lambing supplies or call to chat with our team for advice.

Wishing everyone a successful spring!

23/07/2026

We're looking forward to attending the upcoming B+LNZ Tararua Farming for Profit Field Day on 10th August and catching up with local farmers and industry professionals.

These events are a fantastic opportunity to hear practical advice, share ideas, and discuss the latest on-farm challenges and opportunities.

If you're planning to attend, be sure to come and say hello—we'd love to have a chat!

For more information and to register, click the link below

B+LNZ provides trusted information about our sector and our farming businesses, and a range of interactive tools to help with planning and business decisions.

20/07/2026

Reduce those sudden deaths around lambing
Clostridial vaccination at this time of year is a crucial step to help prevent unnecessary deaths in lambs and ewes. Vaccinate your ewes with Ultravac 5 in 1, 2-4 weeks pre-lamb to protect against lethal diseases including tetanus, pulpy kidney and blackleg. We’re more than happy to discuss a vaccine schedule and selenium requirements for your flock.
Get in touch for orders and advice tailored to your farm system.

16/07/2026

Advice for backyard poultry owners
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lp0MwkBPKiM
H5N1 2.3.4.4b confirmed detection in single bird in NZ

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

07/07/2026

We would like to share with you that CHB Vets and VetsOne Hastings have joined together to provide you with a more complete, dedicated veterinary service. Both practices share a commitment to a friendly, personal service and now CHB Vets is able to offer a large animal team to complement our in-clinic small animal services.

We welcome to our clinic, Lucy Stratton – an experienced production animal veterinarian. Growing up in Taihape in the foothills of the Ruahine Ranges, Lucy developed a lifelong enthusiasm for agriculture and large animal work early on. After earning her veterinary degree from Massey University in 2021 she worked in the King Country and South Waikato, focussing on sheep, beef and dairy systems. Lucy’s favourite part of the job is being out on farm getting a look at how different farms run and helping farmers achieve the best outcomes for their stock. In her spare time she enjoys playing netball, boating or being out on the farm.

Please call in and see Lucy if you are in town, as we make her feel welcome in our area. CHB Vets still has the same friendly team and will continue on as we always have with more resources to help with your animals.

18/12/2025

Merry Christmas to all our clients and your pets.
Our Christmas Hours are as follows:
Wednesday 24th December 8am – 3pm
Thursday 25th December CLOSED
Friday 26th December CLOSED
Saturday 27th December CLOSED
Sunday 28th December CLOSED
Monday 29th December 8am-5pm
Tuesday 30th December 8am – 5pm
Wednesday 31st December 8am – 3pm
Thursday 1st January CLOSED
Friday 2nd January CLOSED
Saturday 3rd January CLOSED
Sunday 4th January CLOSED
Monday 5th January BACK TO NORMAL HOURS

After Hours Emergency Service Available - Phone 06 651 7103

Please call us before the Christmas break if your animal needs any repeats of ongoing prescriptions so you don't run out while we are closed.

Thank you all for your support and enjoy your Christmas!

Send a message to learn more