The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Shnoowie on September 18, 2011, 07:45:06 pm
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Hi all,
We have decided to give in and buy a Greyface ewe to run with our Ryeland ewes. We have a very large breeder near us (a flock of around 350 I have been told). Before I contact them, how much should I expect to pay for a shearling GFD that is ready to go to the ram?
Ta1 :)
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have a look on the exeter market website, have recently had society sale.
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We went to the rare breeds auction at Melton Mowbray last week, interesting as always. There were loads of shetlands and hebrideans, soays etc but not a BWM to be seen. The single pen which would have had the GFD ewes was a no-show.
We've given up on the breed society which doesn't answer letters (even with money enclosed), emails or return phone calls. So we didn't bother with Exeter this year though last year was quite a small event
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Look out for their feet if you do buy: our Dartmoors need trimming about every month. They do lamb out and mother well though.
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Thanks guys - the Exeter report makes a good read actually, it is very useful figure wise!
Because we only have a small flock (18) we check feet monthly anyway - we have an old ewe who's nails grow like topsy and despite using crovect we are paranoid about strike. If we had room in the garden they'd all live within view and earshot!
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Hi there,
Greyface Dartmoor shearling ewes average £125 - £150 / head, 4T/6T around £80 - £100. There is a shortage of females this year, so good luck! A look on the DSBA website may be useful - click on the members icon, then click on the for sale or hire, all ads are up for a maximum of 6 weeks so there is a good chance you'll find something current.
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Hi there - we have 2 GFD ewes and 2 lambs running with our Leicester longwools and Shetlands. We are quite new to all this but absolutely love the GFD's. Do watch for flystrike though as we have just been caught. The maggots were all over one lambs back so checking rear end and obvious places is not enough. Check them all over.
We are hoping to breed from our GFD's and so we are looking for a ram to hire/borrow/buy. Does anyone have any experience with crossing GFD with Leicester longwool or Shetland or should we try to keep them all bred seperately?
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Are you a DSBA member? many folk have rams looking for work now so if you are a member the flock book will show breeders in your area - where are you?
The only cross I have had is a GFD ram on a Poll Dorset ewe, fabulous cross and very tasty also got some stunning sheepskins back from these when sent on as hoggets.
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Are you a DSBA member?
I can see you're a member cos Hazelwood Flock is in the DSBA Homepage!
When we looked into buying Dartmoors we went to the Exeter show and sale in 2010 where everyone was very friendly and helpful. We emailed for some further information and heard nothing but bought some ewes in lamb anyway. The seller notified the DSBA who sent us membership information. We filled in the membership application and sent it with a cheque and a donation to Patrick Aubrey-Fletcher, the secretary. No response. We emailed and phoned but messages were not returned.
So we have 2007 registered and tagged ewes, 2008 registered but untagged ewes and pedigree but unregistered 2011 lambs. Other owners I've talked to have experienced similar problems so we assume that the DBSA operates in the south west and nowhere else.
We're getting a Southdown ram in next week because breeding true is clearly not going to be an option for us. Very disappointing particularly from the perspective of geographic diversification of the gene pool.
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I've had a bit of a moan about the same problem waterhouse, so I know how you feel. However Hazlewood Flock is on the case ;) ;) and I'm sure things will improve in the not too distant future (After the AGM ?! ::)) Stick with it, cos this breed is a lovely stunning animal and I am enormously proud to own a small flock of 4 ewes plus a Tup......plus a Ram Lamb whom I;m hoping will pass muster this Autumn (awaiting the inspector :o). If anyone can kick ass ........ I think Hazlewood can ;) :D ;D :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :sheep: :sheep: :sheep:
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Thanks Blinkers! ;)
I am on the DSBA council, and lack of communication has been noted and will be raised at the next meeting ahead of the AGM on 8th oct. 2008 females were not tagged but have breed certificates, 2009 females are metal tags, as are 2010 and this years will be too (assuming a registration form has been sent to the secretary - tags aren't out yet)
On the DSBA website there is a list of council members, so if there is no joy getting hold of the secretary, feel free to contact your nearest council member for advice - we are here to help where we can!
We also have a mentor system available for new members to get advice via 'phone or email - I have been allocated to mentor Blinkers, hence the familiarity!
Please don't give up on GFDs, things can only get better.... :thumbsup:
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I'm on the edge of my seat. I never before came across a voluntary body that didn't want my money...
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I'm on the edge of my seat. I never before came across a voluntary body that didn't want my money...
(http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Laughing/lol-021.gif)
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I'm on the edge of my seat. I never before came across a voluntary body that didn't want my money...
There's a first time for everything!! ;D
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I can also vouch for the fact that there have been a few problems within the association - not least because of a few changed of secretary and missing details. But on the whole I would like to reassure people that the flock book is now printed and that things are looking to get better.
Don't give up on us. The Dartmoor is a lovely breed - I love my little flock and get a lot of pleasure from them. They are docile and very easy to handle. The ewes are super mums and the lambs are just so beautiful when they are born!
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r40/benjiesmum/Lambs%202011/L1180367.jpg)
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r40/benjiesmum/Lambs%202011/L1180357.jpg)
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Great photos! Nice to see little lambies again. :)
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When I contacted local breeders I found a couple were fairly helpful. Having heard the complaints I'm a little bit dubious about buying to breed pure; getting the Ryelands registered is a big enough task with a flock book that is good with contact! Would GFD breeders be unhappy to sell to someone who wasn't going to breed pure?
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Not at all, but be aware that breeders will be more likely to part with lower grade stock for a lower price if you state you only want to cross breed.
Pure breeding is well worth it, and I am optimistic that the troubles of the past are fading. The DSBA had 3 changes of secretary in as many years, and it has taken a long time to retrieve information, and get through to those who have been 'lost in translation', but progress has been made and things are improving.
Good luck with whatever you decide. :)
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:o such a beautiful sheep!! i do think they come very close to my favoured ryelands, in the cuteness competition :D
:sheep: :sheep:
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ty capel…What beautiful pictures :love:
In answer to plt102 earlier question about crossing the greyface Dartmoor with other breeds, here is a greyface ram x Shetland ewe combination(http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae26/thomsett_bucket/lambs098.jpg)
Little Woolly Monster! ;D
I have experienced big problems with the Greyface breed society and due to receiving no Certificates or Proper Documents back from them for several years it has made selling any offspring difficult even though I have sent details and payment to register my stock and been a fully paid up member for 6 years!
I must say though I have just received a flock book :o –only took 3 years coming !!!! ;D
I wish the society would get its act together and make keeping this wonderful breed easier! (http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae26/thomsett_bucket/TARDIS001.jpg)
Tilly :wave:
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Now then. Having confered with a member of the council....... ;) I can confirm that if you have lambs that were born or you bought lambs in 2009 - which is one of the "wilderness years" with regard to registrations you need to apply for certificates. I sold two that year that I know the owner is still waiting patiently for certificates so I am now going to contact the secretary. :wave:
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Ohhh that Shetland/Dartmoor cross looks very interesting indeed. My friend used one of my tups last year on her Jacob ewes and they all came out like little Balwens - all black with white blazes. Theri wool was incredible too - like Persian lamb coats,
Some more piccies!
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r40/benjiesmum/sheep/L1120341.jpg)
Self-loading Dartmoors!!
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r40/benjiesmum/sheep/L1120484.jpg)
Cold winter day.
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r40/benjiesmum/sheep/L1090374.jpg)
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The secretary only works a set number of hours for the DSBA, so make sure any info submitted is complete and accurate and there's a better chance of getting information returned quickly.
On a lighter note, here's my home bred ram who has had a very successful show season and has been a big hit with the ewes!!
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa43/crazysheep-795/P9040362.jpg)
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My ram has to make do with half the ewes, the other half have been running with the new chap on the block - he's a bit cheeky!
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa43/crazysheep-795/P9020291.jpg)
Makes me smile! :)
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Hi, I know very little about sheep but have so enjoyed seeing all your pics, such a lovely breed and so photogenic. Maybe one day when we have a little more time and knowledge I will be lucky enough to own some. :wave:
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They are very easy going and cute, especially the lambs!
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa43/crazysheep-795/P2264384.jpg)
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa43/crazysheep-795/P2264368.jpg)
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I've really fallen in love with them, they look so irresistible. You can't help but love hem can you :thumbsup:
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Well a Southdown ram has gone in with our GFD girls yesterday because we needed to do something and we will see what the result is.
Cuteness alone doesn't quite do it though one of ours (it's Lily btw Tilly) will demand a back massage from anyone passing through the field.
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;D ;D ;D :wave:
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I'd completely forgotten about this........but I've just received a cheque in the post for £13 which was my 'winnings' for 2nd place at Cardigan Show (our first EVER sheep showing experience) with our lovely little ewe Primrose (who came to us via Hazlewood Flock). What a lovely surprise.
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How lovely. I think I'm going to have to get a couple. ;D ;D How easy are they to purchase and what about the tups as have enough Ryeland tups here. Haven't managed to sell a single Ryeland this year other than at the S/S this year.
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How lovely. I think I'm going to have to get a couple. ;D ;D How easy are they to purchase and what about the tups as have enough Ryeland tups here. Haven't managed to sell a single Ryeland this year other than at the S/S this year.
I'm amazed you haven't sold any Ryelands this year :o I've given your name and number to at least 2 people. A friend is after some Coloured Ewes - do you have for sale? If so, I'll text him your number.
As for the GFDs, :sheep: there are a couple of breeders up your way - and maybe even Ty Capel (on here) can help? :wave:
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I have had excatly no phone calls this year. At least half a dozen people have been give my name & number but not bothered to go any further.
I have some coloureds here for sale but it depends what they are after.
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I have had excatly no phone calls this year. At least half a dozen people have been give my name & number but not bothered to go any further.
I have some coloureds here for sale but it depends what they are after.
I'll text him your number.....and see what happens. He's at Llanilar so not a million miles away from you :thumbsup:
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Thanks. Did have some chap around here after coloured ewes arranged a day & time for him to come and he didn't turn up. Now that really annoys me, it only takes a phone call. >:(
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Thanks. Did have some chap around here after coloured ewes arranged a day & time for him to come and he didn't turn up. Now that really annoys me, it only takes a phone call. >:(
Hiss 'n' spit......I know what you mean ;)
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Oh dear - that must be so annoying. >:(
As for Dartmoors - they seem to have been in great demand this year from the reports that I have been getting back from the sales. All fetching very good prices. There are always a few for sale though from local flocks. Tups are no problem either. Many from up here in Wales and the Marches go down to Exeter Sale in September and always have a spare tup or two that they then may need to sell.
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Well Tilly, how are your GFDs and Lincoln Longwools doing?
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........ all seem to be doing well thankyou Waterhouse ;D
Got OH to take a few snap shots as I got the ram and ewes in today-----(http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae26/thomsett_bucket/PA036674.jpg)
Every body had a bum trim and foot inspection...(http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae26/thomsett_bucket/PA036679.jpg)
I use a stanley Knife (a bit unorthodox) but works for me leave the sheep standing and carefully trim feet.(http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae26/thomsett_bucket/PA036677.jpg)
Nice to see all the piccs on here of the breed, not many in Norfolk.
:wave:
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What fabulous sheep ;D ;D thank you all for posting the photos, they are just the cutest!
I'd told my hubby 6 Shetland sheep were enough but I'm sure a couple of these would fit right in ;)
Blueeyes xx
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They are the cutest!
I went all the way up to Stoneleigh to the rare breed sale at the weekend to buy a couple of new ewes, they were certainly hot in the price department, but worth it!
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa43/crazysheep-795/PA030533.jpg)
Holly (lying down) and Ivy (standing).
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Ohhhhhhh....another Holly :D ;) :sheep:
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Yes! I like to recycle names as well as everything else!! ;)
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Ohh! Nice! Which flock are they from? :wave:
Oh, I think I know. :sheep:
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I thought you might like to see this!
Great fun! :wave:
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r40/benjiesmum/sheep/L1090373-1-1.jpg)
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Last year's sale at Exeter
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r40/benjiesmum/sheep/L1170410.jpg)
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r40/benjiesmum/sheep/L1170406.jpg)
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r40/benjiesmum/sheep/L1170417.jpg)
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Ohh! Nice! Which flock are they from? :wave:
Oh, I think I know. :sheep:
They are from the Mudd'le Flock, different bloodlines to what I currently have. I like to buy in fresh ewes occasionally so I can keep more home bred rams - I get too attached to them! :sheep:
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Oooooo.....want them......all of 'em ;D ;D ;D
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.... really enjoying all the photo`s
......You Know I had a moan in one of my early posts about not receiving certificates from the society , Well in the last few days that has all changed! ----- both long awaited 2008 and 2009 certificates have just arrived :o
New secretary did promise "he would get things sorted" and he sure has, thanks Patrick :-*
Hazelwood -Your new girls look fantastic I had also guessed they were "Muddle" breeding,I can only admire what she has done for the breed.
I know some of you have seen this photo before but here is a very old picture of a Dartmoor in a 1915 livestock book(http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae26/thomsett_bucket/tess002.jpg) :o
Tilly :wave:
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Great old pic Tilly, he's a far cry from the type that has become the standard today! It's pictures like that which show the changes in the breed over the years - he probably wouldn't pass inspection by today's standards! How times change....
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Last year's sale at Exeter
...and curiously enough I'm in the background of one of them!
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I Can See You !!!!
Great photos it makes it all so interesting
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Well then! Here are a few more. Just been tidying up my camera! :thumbsup:
From this year's Exeter sale 2011
I recognise this bruiser from Hazelwood's recent photo!
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r40/benjiesmum/Exeter%20Sale%202011/L1210478.jpg)
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r40/benjiesmum/Exeter%20Sale%202011/L1210469.jpg)
That's my boy that I bought on the left! :trophy:
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r40/benjiesmum/Exeter%20Sale%202011/L1210476.jpg)
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r40/benjiesmum/Exeter%20Sale%202011/L1210477.jpg)
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r40/benjiesmum/Exeter%20Sale%202011/L1210480.jpg)
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r40/benjiesmum/Exeter%20Sale%202011/L1210486.jpg)
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r40/benjiesmum/Exeter%20Sale%202011/L1210488.jpg)
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r40/benjiesmum/Exeter%20Sale%202011/L1210499.jpg)
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r40/benjiesmum/Exeter%20Sale%202011/L1210503.jpg)
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r40/benjiesmum/Exeter%20Sale%202011/L1210500.jpg)
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r40/benjiesmum/Exeter%20Sale%202011/L1210496.jpg)
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r40/benjiesmum/Exeter%20Sale%202011/L1210471.jpg)
This is my new boy. Off he goes to work!!! ;) It's a hard life!!
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r40/benjiesmum/Exeter%20Sale%202011/L1210597.jpg)
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Great pics!
Do you use all weather crayons? I find they mark rather heavily so use the mild crayons. Nice shot of my new boy at the top - I've given him a pedicure since then so his toes are not so curly!!
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The ewes are enjoying the current nice weather...
Making their way down for tea....
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa43/crazysheep-795/PA140598.jpg)
Enjoying the last autumn flush of grass....
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa43/crazysheep-795/PA140611.jpg)
Such pretty faces..those who can be bothered to look at the camera!..
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa43/crazysheep-795/PA140615.jpg)
Gathering for an after dinner scratch on the hay rack....
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa43/crazysheep-795/PA140617.jpg)
Even Edmund joins in....
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa43/crazysheep-795/PA140619.jpg)
Every fine day is a blessing, no more snow like last year please!
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Wow - lots of pictures - they are all sooo cute! I wish my girls were as clean and tidy but they were all trimmed due to fly strike and looking a bit uneven. Looking forward to them all being pretty next year. Thank goodness the cold weather is on its way.
Next job is bum trim and feet trim - should be fun as they are all not too tame yet.
Bernard our new ram came back with us from Cornwall on holiday and is settling in nicely in his new oxfordshire home. He has been only interested in one ewe so far. I hope he gets busy soon.
Thank you so much to Tilly for the picture of the GFD crossed with a shetland. Looking forward to seeing if we have any success there.
Hope to keep in touch with you all for future advice :-)
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Excellent stuff!
I remember seeing your new ram at Totnes show, bred by the Greenhoughs - he's a good sort so should give you nice lambs. It takes a while for ewes to 'come on' when the ram goes in unless a vasectomised 'teaser' has run with them. My new ram covered his first ewe exactly 3 weeks after I put him in.
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Lovely lovely photos :thumbsup: Is that your hay field in the background Hazlewood?
Must go take some more pics of mine.......got the "Inspector" coming on Saturday to take a look at my Ram Lamb ;) :sheep: :sheep: :sheep: :thumbsup:
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My hay field is about 3 miles from here! its quite a pain when the weather is bad having all this grazing spread out.
My boys are being inspected this weekend....any who don't make the grade have only one destination... :o
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Well, it was decision day for my ram lambs today. I had 5 to be inspected as I had applied for 2 registrations, and like to give the inspectors a selection to chew over! When they turned up, it was Janet Rogers and Mary Kirkham who are both seasoned inspectors, and Ann Rickson with Annette Martin who are trainees - 4 inspectors for the price of 2!
They got to work examining each lamb in turn for correct breed points and good conformation..
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa43/crazysheep-795/PA220677.jpg)
Annette is at the head end as Ann is inspecting the fleece, whilst Mary (L) and Janet (gesticulating) wait their turn for hands on involvement.
The ram lamb they are inspecting passed, as did 2 others so I had to pay for an extra registration. It will be interesting to see how they look in the spring when they have a full coat of wool. I am delighted that my favourite passed, I would have struggled to send him on!
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Some piccies of the ram lambs who passed inspection and get the chance to become rams!
Hazelwood Hillbilly....
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa43/crazysheep-795/PA230681.jpg)
Hazelwood Heathcliff.....
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa43/crazysheep-795/PA230680.jpg)
Hazelwood Henry (my personal favourite of the three!)...
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa43/crazysheep-795/PA230694.jpg)
The inspections determine a ram lamb's potential, not for show purposes but for breeding and passing on breed characteristics. Not all ram lambs passed will be show sheep.
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Well done you :thumbsup:
How many ram lambs did you have inspected for registration in total?
Henry has also taken my eye -he looks like a real character ;) -- Will he be one of the show team next year?
Tilly :wave:
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I applied for two registrations, and had five inspected - I had to pay for the extra one on the day. Henry will definately be in the show team, and I will probably keep him. The other two may well go to Exeter show & sale next september... or I may not think they are good enough next spring and eat them!
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I like Henry too :love: :love:
:wave:
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I would love to add some Greyface Dartmoors to my flock, but does anyone know of any nice ones up here in Aberdeenshire. I fear a deafening slience!
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I reckon the nearest established breeder to you is Berwickshire. There are lots of flocks in northern England, Yorkshire and Lancashire mostly, but very few in Scotland. Could do with getting a few more flocks up there! :thumbsup:
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I appreciate that things may be improving in the DSBA but its pretty lonely keeping Dartmoors when the next nearest flock (Tilley) is 2.5hrs drive away and Exeter is the best part of 4 hours away.
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Where are you, Waterhouse?
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Look out for their feet if you do buy: our Dartmoors need trimming about every month.
Foot trimming every month!!! :o
Do they all have feet like that?
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Where are you, Waterhouse?
Exceedingly close to where my profile shows me - near J9 of the M1
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On the foot trimming point, I do the ewes at lambing and tupping, otherwise they don't get touched unless any go lame. The lambs are done at shearing, then again in the autumn. It works for me and I am blessed with very few lame sheep.
Waterhouse - yes you are in a bit of a wilderness area! There are not too many flocks in Dorset around me, so I have to travel to buy any new rams as those locally are bred from rams i've hired out! I used to go to the game fair at Redbourn to show my ferrets, I remember it was quite a trek.