The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: crobertson on September 07, 2016, 07:45:18 am
-
We are currently looking for our first ram (probably ram lamb) for our 6 texel shearlings.
The idea was to move our ewes into a fenced / dry stone wall and hedgerow field freeing up the electric fencing to be used on a field away from the ewes for the ram (+companion). However, our neighbouring farmer has been tidying up their fence like / removed the hedgerow meaning one side of the ewe field isn't as secure - our electric fencing is now being used.
We now have no spare electric fencing at the minute if I were to buy a ram but my question is do folks house their rams indoors in the run up to tupping ? I remember when we picked our ewe lambs up last year the farmer had his rams indoors as this is something we have got space to do. I just wasn't sure whether they'd be better indoors or outdoors ?
Any advice much appreciated
-
My Rams live out all year round.
My worry would be that if the fencing is less than secure then one sniff of an in season ewe and he'll be off!
-
If you're not sure of your fencing, keep him indoors - but with a pal. You can't keep a sheep on its own.
-
it depends on situation, if the fencing isn't good enough (IE in bad repair) I would consider keeping indoors, or put up an electric fencing, I have a neighbour who does this. Personally I keep mine in a well inclosed field (try to) quite a way from the ewes and that way they can't see/smell each other, with some company he will be fine. Some people keep their rams in with a donkey to keep it company? Not sure about that one. Hope this helps :)
-
it depends on situation, if the fencing isn't good enough (IE in bad repair) I would consider keeping indoors, or put up an electric fencing, I have a neighbour who does this. Personally I keep mine in a well inclosed field (try to) quite a way from the ewes and that way they can't see/smell each other, with some company he will be fine. Some people keep their rams in with a donkey to keep it company? Not sure about that one. Hope this helps :)
Donkeys carry lungworm so I wouldn't keep any livestock with one.
-
it depends on situation, if the fencing isn't good enough (IE in bad repair) I would consider keeping indoors, or put up an electric fencing, I have a neighbour who does this. Personally I keep mine in a well inclosed field (try to) quite a way from the ewes and that way they can't see/smell each other, with some company he will be fine. Some people keep their rams in with a donkey to keep it company? Not sure about that one. Hope this helps :)
Donkeys carry lungworm so I wouldn't keep any livestock with one.
Since ivermectin was developed there is absolutely no reason for donkeys to have lungworm.
-
Donkeys were kept with young hunting horses to calm them down ....
-
[
Donkeys carry lungworm so I wouldn't keep any livestock with one.
So do several other types of animal, if they are not wormed. Donkeys are easily wormed and as suggested, make a good companion for a ram if suitable sheep isn't available. Our ram has lived quite happily with our donkeys.
However, in answer to the original question - I personally think your ram would be happier outside, but if there's nowhere suitable and he has company, then I'm sure he would be ok inside for a while.