The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: philippa on June 21, 2011, 10:25:05 am

Title: Shortage of Shetland Rams
Post by: philippa on June 21, 2011, 10:25:05 am

Does anyone else have a problem with finding a Shetland ram for their girls in the Autumn?  We had to hire a Ryeland X Shetland last year and have good lambs but really want pure-bred Shetland lambs next year.  The meat was sublime from the pure bred lambs.

If anyone has a solution I would be very grateful, what does everyone else do?  We are based in Cambridgeshire and don't seem to have other Shetland owners near us.  We are prepared to buy and would take a youngster.

Thanks 

Title: Re: Shortage of Shetland Rams
Post by: PDO_Lamb on June 21, 2011, 10:37:35 am

How many Shetland Rams do you need and when? Any preferece of age or colour? Born & bred in Shetland or will from mainland UK be ok?

Title: Re: Shortage of Shetland Rams
Post by: Anke on June 21, 2011, 01:58:22 pm

If you contact the shetland sheep society, I am sure they could put you in touch with breeders nearby -something can be organised for autumn I am sure.

Also if you go to a couple of shows with shetland classes and speak to people there.

Title: Re: Shortage of Shetland Rams
Post by: Fleecewife on June 21, 2011, 06:03:43 pm

Someone else asked the same question recently.  It's puzzling because there are Shetland breeders aplenty all over the country.  You may have to travel a little to find just the tup you want, but that is part of choosing pedigree stock anyway.  :sheep:

Title: Re: Shortage of Shetland Rams
Post by: philippa on June 21, 2011, 07:53:39 pm

Thanks those that have replied. We want a nice easy to handle pure bred registered Shetland ram of any colour for just 4 ewes which is not miles away so expensive to get here.  Age not a problem if still manages to do the job, youngster OK as well but must be pretty tame.  We are not prepared to spend too much money and are happy to have a ram not far from Cambridge if possible.

Title: Re: Shortage of Shetland Rams
Post by: PDO_Lamb on June 23, 2011, 10:22:08 pm

How about a day out to the Norfolk Show next weekend. There are over 50 entries in the Shetland Sheep classes. I am sure one of the exhibitors will have just the right Shetland Ram for you

Title: Re: Shortage of Shetland Rams
Post by: philippa on June 27, 2011, 09:06:43 am

Thanks for the Norfolk Show suggestion.  As it happens we are going to the show  :)as part of the launch of Care Farming UK so shall have a chat to the Shetland folk.

Title: Re: Shortage of Shetland Rams
Post by: PDO_Lamb on June 27, 2011, 09:57:44 am

Good news you are going to the Norfolk Show. Much as I would love to sell you a ram from my flock, the breeders from further south, exhibiting will be just as enthusiastic about Shetland Sheep as I. No reason why you should not be planning to enter next year's show.