The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Community => Marketplace => Topic started by: smudger on May 14, 2012, 11:00:08 am
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I have a starter flock of 4 gimmers, 2 ewes, one ewe lamb and one ram lamb (intact). I am hesitating about buying a ram and they are such a lovely breed I would rather they were bred pure by someone to support their rare breed status. I am not short of space, so can hold onto them till late summer if needed and could deliver locally. All bucket trained and come bouncing to the shout of "girls". Please PM if interested and I can tell you breeding and provenance.
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You could always hire a ram, my boys love going out on their autumn 'jollies'! Have you any piccies?
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Humph! I wish the ram I had hired had done the business. He arrived, he ate, he ate and he ate for 7 weeks. And how many lambs do we have to show for his efforts? None. Not a one. No wonder my GFD ewes looked so bored. He was an expensive lodger. Such a shame as I love the breed and really wanted to bring them on. They are much friendlier than the Jacobs. Lily and Myrtle come up for a cuddle.
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A suggestion has been made about swapping our 'boys' - whats the process (and cost) for getting the ram inspected? Don't think there is anyone local to economically collect/return a ram with the cost of fuel....
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LulaB,
How disappointing, and annoying too. Did the ram wear a raddle or crayon? Sorry, there are so many questions I would want to ask if it had happened here. ??? Was he proven, how old was he, was he ever lame, did you see him working, did he work elesewhere last year?
If you are with the DSBA, it might be worthwhile contacting one of your Inspectors for more advice. They are such a friendly breed ( the sheep, not the Inspectors) and I am sorry you did not have any teddy-bear lambs :sheep: to enjoy this Spring, but good luck for next year.
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Hi Bramblefoot
Yes, he wore a raddle, and I saw some marks on the ewes (but on their sides - perhaps he needed an anatomy lesson?). He came from a reputable breeder, too. He was, however, her "Sub". Her main ram hadn't come back from his other bonkathon (problems performing), so we had to make do with her second ram. He didn't even make a move on the Jacobs. I was looking forward to that particular cross.
I'm wondering about getting the older ewes in lamb now (or just post shearing). They are such a hardy breed that they might go well over the winter, especially with shelter, and it would give me lamb at easter.
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I bought a stock ram who fired blanks his first season due to an attack of fly strike on his sheath. He got every ewe the following season!
It costs £15 to inspect a GFD ram lamb, and if you are a member of the DSBA you will receive registration forms shortly.