The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: dixie on April 26, 2019, 03:42:53 pm

Title: Boisterous wether, what to do?
Post by: dixie on April 26, 2019, 03:42:53 pm
I only have 5 ewes now, a lovely gentle ram and a wether, bottle fed from last year and kept to keep Ram company save him being on his own. I took the boys out Pre lambing, just to make it easier, and now I have a couple lambed thought I’d put them out together, but he’s being a real PITA! Chasing the ewes and lambs, head butting, splitting them from the ewes causing chaos! So I’ve taken him out again, is he just excited showing off or am I right that he can cause damage? Not sure what to do? Help please?
Title: Re: Boisterous wether, what to do?
Post by: shep53 on April 26, 2019, 04:39:42 pm
Can you not spate the two again until the lambs are a bit stronger and then try again , I don't think he would harm any lambs deliberately just accidentally
Title: Re: Boisterous wether, what to do?
Post by: dixie on April 26, 2019, 06:06:52 pm
Yes I have for now,  but hoping to get them all together ASAP?
Title: Re: Boisterous wether, what to do?
Post by: bj_cardiff on April 27, 2019, 05:35:11 pm
Its a bit of a how long is a piece of string question. It might be that he'd get bored and settle down quickly if you try again, or he might not and injure one of the ewes or lambs? Its clearly excitement, I think you just have to use your best judgement I'm afraid.


Maybe keep him in a field with poor grass and when back in with the ewes he'll be more interested in the good grass than them?
Title: Re: Boisterous wether, what to do?
Post by: SallyintNorth on April 27, 2019, 06:35:43 pm
Can you keep them next door to each other so he can get used to them through the fence for a while first? 
Title: Re: Boisterous wether, what to do?
Post by: dixie on April 27, 2019, 10:46:23 pm
So I left him on his own, but next door to the others overnight, to reflect on his naughtyness  ;D  put him back at feed time, he chased around for a while then settled, fingers crossed he behaves now, the ram also gave him a thump, maybe that sorted it! Thank you all for your advice.