The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: egglady on April 26, 2011, 09:18:23 pm

Title: Which is the better option?
Post by: egglady on April 26, 2011, 09:18:23 pm

Up till now we have brought our lambs on and then when they are big enough, we send them to the abbatoir and sell some of the meat to cover our abbatoir and butchery costs.

This year we have 9 lambs and a friend of ours is looking to buy 3 for paddock maintenance.

So it made me wonder which we were better doing?

I'm guessing neither is 'right' or indeed 'wrong', but just wondered what people did and why?

THanks

Title: Re: Which is the better option?
Post by: Anke on April 26, 2011, 09:32:04 pm

If you are selling any for grass cutting duties they need to be castrated, and I would think wethers are the best for that job. They also seem to be a lot friendlier, will provide quite a good fleece (if they are shetlands they can also be roo-ed by someone without all the kit or a helpful shearer nearby) and won't come to the attention of any neighbouring tup.... and result in unwanted off-spring.

Title: Re: Which is the better option?
Post by: Fleecewife on April 27, 2011, 12:18:47 am

Yes I agree with Anke - wethers would be best.  I suppose I'm a bit of a softie, but if there is the chance that an animal destined for slaughter can have a reprieve, then I would rather go that route.  From your point of view, if you are not making a loss by selling the sheep for mowing, then why not.  Just check that your friend knows how to care for them properly and not to overfeed with 'treats'.

Title: Re: Which is the better option?
Post by: egglady on April 27, 2011, 10:56:42 pm

thanks folks