The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: SallyintNorth on January 07, 2014, 01:36:52 pm

Title: Would you?
Post by: SallyintNorth on January 07, 2014, 01:36:52 pm

I have the chance of some 2-shear Shetland ewes in lamb to a Blue-faced Leicester.  2 of these ewes have lambed before, so I think I will get them if I like them.  The question is... would it be asking for trouble to buy the other two, too?  They haven't lambed before, so these would be their first lambs.  I certainly wouldn't do it on purpose for a first lambing, but what do people think?  Asking for trouble?  Or probably will be fine? 

They're due April, and unless the weather is Mediterranean, we'll lamb them indoors, as the BFL-x lambs are likely to be pretty bare at birth.

Title: Re: Would you?
Post by: lachlanandmarcus on January 07, 2014, 01:52:17 pm

I'd go for it as long as the price isn't too eye watering. A lot of the issues can be addressed by the management beforehand and you are doing all that side of things. With the second widest pelvis for lambing of all breeds, I think there's a good chance you might get away with it.

Title: Re: Would you?
Post by: Rosemary on January 07, 2014, 02:02:42 pm

Should be nice fleeces. You'll be fine - if anyone can manage these ewes lambing it's you and Mike  :thumbsup:

Title: Re: Would you?
Post by: Fleecewife on January 07, 2014, 02:34:00 pm

The only danger I can see is if they are too fat, although check why they are for sale ie not for health reasons.  I have lambed the occasional 3yo first timer Hebs, Shetlands, Jacobs and Soay without a single problem.  Go for it  :thumbsup:

Title: Re: Would you?
Post by: Humblepie on January 07, 2014, 05:51:13 pm

Quote from: lachlanandmarcus on January 07, 2014, 01:52:17 pm

With the second widest pelvis for lambing of all breeds,

is that true? if so they say the shetland cow has the 2nd widest pelvis too (first is the jersey i think) i wonder how this came about.

Title: Re: Would you?
Post by: Dougal on January 11, 2014, 08:39:23 pm

Good cross that one. they'll lamb away fine. Best bit is the fact that being shetlanders they tend to grow slowly so they've had a year extra to reach full size before lambing the first time. BFLx lambs will be narrow so an easier lambing.

Title: Re: Would you?
Post by: SallyintNorth on January 11, 2014, 09:45:45 pm

Timely input Dougal, I'm off to see them tomorrow :)  Sounds like I may be buying the lot ;)  :excited:  Mind, I don't know if I'll be able to see the tup, or his fleece - he'll be a crossing BFL, I expect (to father mules off Swales), and they don't always have the best of fleeces.  Never mind, if I like the girls and their fleeces then I expect I'll be happy enough.  Will report back!

Thanks everyone for the encouragement  :-*