31

Sheep / Ryeland tup costs

« Last post by Cuddles on May 25, 2026, 09:02:27 am »

 Hi all,

I’m going to be looking for a replacement tup this year in central Scotland.  It’s been a while since I’ve been looking, so how much would a ryeland tup cost these days?  My current tup is coloured so I’d probably look to replace like for like.
Not looking for anything award winning just solid across the 3 T’s ( temperament, testicles and teeth).
It’s just so I have a rough idea what to budget for, and if anyone will be selling, I have an idea who to reach out to.

Thanks,
Andy

32

Sheep / Re: Age to retire sheep from breeding

« Last post by Rosemary on May 21, 2026, 06:21:44 am »

If the ewe is fit and well, had milk and had no prolem lambing,no reason for her not to breed. We had a couple of ewes that were in double digits (Coloured Ryelands) and they weren't exceptional.

33

Sheep / Age to retire sheep from breeding

« Last post by Richmond on May 20, 2026, 10:45:41 am »

At what age do people retire ewes from breeding? Realise this depends on a wide variety of factors, but most of our ewes are 7 or 8 now, the oldest had issues lambing this year and we decided not to breed from her again. All the others are fit and well, with good teeth and we'd like to keep breeding from them for a bit longer if it is sensible to do so. They are all native breeds, both pure and crosses of.

34

Coffee Lounge / Re: Would you like to stress test an electric utility cart?

« Last post by chrismahon on May 19, 2026, 06:31:10 am »

That sounds perfect for us! Pity about the collection distance.

35

Coffee Lounge / Would you like to stress test an electric utility cart?

« Last post by Rosemary on May 17, 2026, 02:29:50 pm »

I received this message from Jack Yates the other day. If you can help, let me know and i'll pass details on.
"Hi Rosemary, hope you don’t mind me messaging. I actually tried reaching out via email but it seems to have been blocked by a spam filter, so thought I’d try here instead.I’m a mechanical engineer originally from the UK (currently working in Brazil) and co-founder of a small startup developing electric utility carts. We have an early working prototype sitting in Liverpool that I’d love to put to good use rather than leave unused while I’m abroad.
I’m trying to find a practical, technically minded smallholder/hobby farmer who may enjoy experimenting with it and could genuinely use it around a property for moving tools, feed, materials etc. I want to be transparent that it’s still a rough prototype — while it works, the electrical system was put together in a development fashion and would likely benefit from checking/refinement by someone hands-on and comfortable tinkering.
I came across your website and wondered whether anyone in your network comes to mind who might be a good fit? Happy to send photos/details if helpful.
Thanks very much,
Jack"

36

Sheep / Re: Lamb hernia repaired - question

« Last post by JFW67 on May 17, 2026, 12:12:56 am »

Thanks for the input.
Day 3 and she is eating peeing and pooping.
Fingers still crossed but I’m no longer stressed

37

Sheep / Re: Lamb hernia repaired - question

« Last post by Bishybarneybee on May 15, 2026, 08:39:10 pm »

I had a lamb hernia repaired last year.

The vet told me as long as she was eating, peeing and pooping all was OK. If she wasn't to contact the vet.

Fortunately the lamb continued eating, peeing and pooping normally and she is now fully recovered. Not sure if that's any help.

38

Sheep / Re: Bereaved ewe management

« Last post by Bywaters on May 14, 2026, 01:46:49 pm »

We had a ewe lamb a still born

She was dead keen to steal another lamb from a pair of twins, born 36 hours after, so we let her
All ewes and lambs doing very well

Never had that in 33 lambings

39

Sheep / Re: Lamb hernia repaired - question

« Last post by Rosemary on May 14, 2026, 05:33:07 am »

I have no experience of this but the experience I have of vets is that they tend to look on the black side.    for the lamb.

40

Sheep / Re: planning a sheep shed go welsh hill breeds

« Last post by Rosemary on May 14, 2026, 05:31:37 am »

I do wonder if, in our understandable desire to do well by and protect our own sheep, we are not doing the breeds a disservice, longterm.