The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: agri293 on April 03, 2011, 09:59:01 pm
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hi there we have a problem my wifes first orphan lamb last year it was the smallest and weak at first but he has grown into a sturdy blackface ram she is not keen on him going to slaughter we will not breed with him has anyone have any suggestions what we can do with him she would like to get him a good home cheers
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anyone have any suggestions what we can do with him
It's a sad fact of life that there are too many males of sheep, cattle and allsorts born. There's only need for so many teaser rams and unless he gets a job as one of those the best suggestion is to toughen up and send him for slaughter. Otherwise you'll finish up looking for a considerable amount of land and money to keep them.
I'm stuck with the same problem with a purebred Ryeland ram lamb .........
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You can get an adult ram castrated by the vet, but really they have already established their maleness by a year so not much use as a pet. Rams used in breeding flocks are very carefully chosen and unfortunately one which began life as a runt is not going to cut the mustard. He is going to have to go or you will end up with a large, randy, frustrated bully which could be a danger. It will be kinder to make the decision now - by which I mean he has to go for slaughter. For the future, get any orphan lambs castrated within the first week of life. It's a hard lesson - sorry :sheep:
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unfortunately one which began life as a runt is not going to cut the mustard. :sheep:
He will however be able to cut the mint sauce ......... My Ryeland ram lamb is under the week old, he will undoubtedly lose them.
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If you can't bring yourself to eat him, you must get him castrated. Entire males that were reared as pet lambs are a liability.