The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Remy on April 29, 2013, 05:56:09 pm
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Is there a market for older sheep? I have two big wethers whom I've had since orphans, they have to be about 6 years old now but I have to downsize my flock as I need to make sure I have enough grazing over winter - this year was awful and I was having to buy in loads. The wethers are very big and should really go, it sounds awful and I'm fond of them but I have to concentrate on the breeding ewes.
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Yes, but mainly for the halal kebab market, so depends whether that's ok for you....
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WOW must be a lot of halal kebabs out there , quiet time for ewes , scottish markets 7-8000 per week
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Ok pet food and burgers as well, I just dont like not knowing which route they went when it's an animal I've had for a long time, I prefer them to be done locally and me and the dogs eat them.
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I'm with L&M.
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If they are in good condition, I would put them in a shed with straw to eat for a couple of weeks to thin them down a bit and then put them in the freezer - hang for at least 10 days, fortnight if you can manage it.
Older weathers need a bit of a diet as they tend to lay down a lot of body fat. Even so, you will probably need to trim a lot of fat off the carcass, but it will be delicious!
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We took some cull sheep in a couple of weeks ago, including a 10year old wether, he made the highest price, at least £75, so yes there is definitely a market for them to my surprise. Not easy to do but have to look on it as him having had a lot of bonus years and the older sheep start to get a problems with stiffness etc.