The problem with Herdies and some other hill breeds is that they are 'hefted' - the ewes regard their own ground as home and will try to return to it.
If you buy ewes from a flock that range on the common allotments, or out on open moorland / fell, the likelihood is they'll be hefted types and won't settle, especially in teeny paddocks. Hence, 'ratchers' - they're just trying to find their way back home.
However, there will be breeders who keep their sheep closer, use "in-bye" ground, so their sheep will be used to being moved around smaller fields.
So I would ask your friendly farmer if you can see the flock in their home environment, and if that's open moorland or fell, look elsewhere for stock. If they're in fields, ask questions about do they have any fell or common ground that they use - if they don't, you may be okay!
On every other count you've listed bar one, Herdies would fit your bill. They're one of the hardiest breeds, not huge, shouldn't need much help at lambing provided you haven't been silly about your choice of tup, and have delicious meat. There are lots around you and lots of people who could advise you in your area.
The one count on which they don't fit your bill is that they're a lot less likely to have twins than some breeds - but then there's no reason they won't go on popping single lambs out, and rearing them with no particular help, for over a decade, perhaps longer. If you do the maths, you could find that the reduced startup costs, reduced replacement costs (lambs you can't sell - or eat - because you're keeping them to replace old ewes that are no longer productive) plus the very low inputs - and hopefully low vet bills - might make them a better financial proposition than you expect.
There are bound to be some people around who do sheep handling sessions / courses on Herdwicks - why not try to find one, and see if you like them and feel comfortable and confident handling them?
The other local breed you could consider is the Swaledale. They're not generously-framed, so aren't oversized for a woman to handle on her own (plus the ewes have the helpful 'handlebars' - you would never pull a sheep along by its horns, but they aren't half useful at helping you grab hold of one securely
), two-summer wethers taste
fantastic. Like the Herdie, some flocks will be hefted but even they do tame given time and patience - Swales really like sheep cake, and human bread
, digestive biscuits, etc. They're terrific mothers, usually have plenty of milk, and are more likely to have twins than Herdies would be. Older ewes will be capable of producing a lamb or pair of lambs to a larger tup breed if you do decide you want to produce meatier lambs.
Neither breed has fleeces that handspinners will queue up for, so don't bank on any income from fleece. Having said which, there are people who do market Herdwick and Swaledale wool.
Topic: Advice for a beginner! (Read 14410 times)
