The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: minibn on April 06, 2019, 07:34:59 pm
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Hi,
I am the current owner of two pet Shetland Rams. They are rising 7 this year and have had them from about 6 months old.
I originally had six, but due to injuries and illness I am down to two.
The question is do I get a few more, as I really do like them, as I'm worried if I loose one the other one will be lonely. They do have company of 6 horses.
If I do, what do I get, I'm not sure I want all rams again as one has been very boisterous. But as they are entire males I'm not sure ewes would work. I don't know how easy it would be to castrate them, I think this might be to stressful and risky due to age. I also don't want to breed them. I thought I would mention they have never ran with ewes before either.
Another question-my two rams have quite big horns. Would you mix some weathers which do not have horns with them?
Any advice welcomed.
Thank you
Emily
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Just buy a few wether lambs after weaning in the autumn , seems wrong to castrate your rams after all this time. See theres a couple of heb wethers for sale in the sale section ?
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Yes, wethers should be just what you want. The older entire rams will keep them in their place so there should be no fighting. Be prepared though, the entire lads will regularly check if the wethers have turned into ewes since the last time they checked (half an hour ago), then will mount them anyway. They're not 'gay', just males ;D