The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: crobertson on September 07, 2016, 07:45:18 am

Title: First ram advice (Indoor or Outdoor)
Post 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
Title: Re: First ram advice (Indoor or Outdoor)
Post by: Sbom on September 07, 2016, 08:35:17 am
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!
Title: Re: First ram advice (Indoor or Outdoor)
Post by: SallyintNorth on September 07, 2016, 11:04:09 am
If you're not sure of your fencing, keep him indoors - but with a pal.  You can't keep a sheep on its own.
Title: Re: First ram advice (Indoor or Outdoor)
Post by: waterbuffalofarmer on September 07, 2016, 03:29:02 pm
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 :)
Title: Re: First ram advice (Indoor or Outdoor)
Post by: twizzel on September 07, 2016, 04:55:31 pm
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.
Title: Re: First ram advice (Indoor or Outdoor)
Post by: Buttermilk on September 07, 2016, 09:03:25 pm
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.
Title: Re: First ram advice (Indoor or Outdoor)
Post by: Marches Farmer on September 07, 2016, 09:31:15 pm
Donkeys were kept with young hunting horses to calm them down ....
Title: Re: First ram advice (Indoor or Outdoor)
Post by: landroverroy on September 07, 2016, 11:45:44 pm
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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.