The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: WelshGirl70 on August 04, 2019, 06:34:29 pm
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Hi
Complete newbie I’ve had a few goats for the month, chickens 2 weeks and piglets arrive this week. I wanted to get a few lambs, mainly just to fatten for the freezer and to help with grazing I only have 4 acres so it wouldn’t be many. I’ve spoken to a couple of farmers who say that sheep are a lot of work for a beginner and wondering what is everyone’s view? Any thoughts? Is there certain breeds that anyone would suggest? Thanks
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As long as you don’t take your eye off them they are fine. Sheep hide illness quite well so generally only tend to look poorly when they really are. If you just stick with buying a few store lambs that have been vaccinated for clostridial diseases (with heptavac or ovivac) then you should be able to learn the ropes as you go. Don’t buy in lamb breeding ewes as your first venture into sheep as breeding throws a whole new set of problems you can encounter.
The native down breeds are pretty chilled out, Polled Dorset, Hampshire down, Dorset down. Don’t buy anything that ought to live on a hill in wales as it’ll likely be pretty skittish :roflanim: if you can buy from a fellow smallholder that’s even better, check out preloved.
Also , make sure you register with a farm/large animal vet as with goats sheep and pigs you will probably need their services before long. Good luck!
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Can vouch for the skitty hill sheep. We got some Badger Faces as we’re in a valley and have fairly steep fields. They came from a commercial setup and are pretty nuts. The guy we got them from calls this “healthy”!! But they do suit the hill.
In contrast I also picked up some Hill Radnors from a fellow smallholder. Really sweet, chilled out girls. The human touch makes a huge difference!
I would say for an easier time definitely look to buy from a smaller outfit where the sheep have been well-handled and preferably are bucket trained as this will make life a lot easier when you need to move them around etc.
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Sounds like you’re thinking of just a few weaned lambs to fatten for your own freezer? Great way to start to get to know about sheep. Buy from a friendly local farmer or smallholder who won’t mind you asking questions and can help you with the first few treatments, advise on handling and so on.
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I would wait until the spring and start off with some bottle fed lambs. Sheep are very flighty and unless you know what to expect they can be difficult. You need your sheep to be tame enough that you can round them up and catch one when your alone - as no-one is ever around when you need them ;)
You might be able to tame some lambs by making an enclosure and getting them used to being fed in there, so you can rattle a bucket and they come running. Makes catching them so much easier.
Sheep type.. Many people make the mistake of assuming smaller is easier to handle - they aren't! I would go for a commercial type, because thats what I breed. Mine are Lleyn crosses, which I find fairly quiet sheep. If their going for the freezer I fnd ram lambs bolder and easier to bucket train.
Good luck with them :)