The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: kelly58 on August 21, 2014, 01:56:08 pm

Title: Tups
Post by: kelly58 on August 21, 2014, 01:56:08 pm
Is it ok to put ram lambs of different  breeds together in a paddock, all the same age ?
There is only one of one breed and two of another, would the one on his own be bullied by the other 2 ?
Or do they just go through the motions of proving whos boss then calm down ? :sheep:
Title: Re: Tups
Post by: Hellybee on August 21, 2014, 02:30:09 pm
Always been taught if they have to be introduced, don't give them much room when getting acquianted. That way they can't pick up speed and do some damage to each other xx
Title: Re: Tups
Post by: Ideation on August 21, 2014, 02:51:27 pm
Very good advice! Don't give them a chance to have a run up?
Title: Re: Tups
Post by: SallyintNorth on August 21, 2014, 04:20:17 pm
Yes, pen them tight while they get used to each others smells.  Then a bit more space, then a bit more, and so on.  Once they have more than about 8' and are behaving, then they're best outside with room for the weaker to get away from the stronger - but still watch for an hour or two just in case.

This for any tups whether the same breed or not.

In terms of tups of a different breed, it depends on the breeds.  Generally don't mix horned and unhorned tups; a Swaledale will kill a Blue-faced Leicester, for instance.

Some breeds are very laid back (eg Ryeland), some just use useless at fighting (Texel, Beltex.)
Title: Re: Tups
Post by: kelly58 on August 21, 2014, 06:22:34 pm
Thanks  everyone  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Tups
Post by: Old Shep on August 21, 2014, 09:54:52 pm
don't believe Texels are useless at fighting - we've had a few bloody messes!
Title: Re: Tups
Post by: Treud na Mara on August 21, 2014, 11:17:37 pm
Ryelands may not have horns but they certainly have the avoirdupois to put behind their shoulder barges !  :-J
Title: Re: Tups
Post by: Big Benny Shep on August 22, 2014, 01:18:51 pm
My texels are pretty good at fighting! Caused some hellish damage
Title: Re: Tups
Post by: kelly58 on August 22, 2014, 02:04:28 pm
 :o Think l will just make a new paddock and put the Southdown ram lamb (newbie) in with my very laid back cheviot x boreray
wether lamb same age(hamish) Prefere a quiet life, enough stress just now selling the croft :tired: