[doganjo]

I'd love to have a pet sheep, but I think my large garden is too exposed.  None of the ducks or chickens have ever gone missing but I'd worry about going out and leaving a sheep on view.  A friend of mine has rylands and we see them when I go there to train Allez - they are very friendly too.  As are Rosemary's ones.  Like James, I couldn't eat them if they were mine.

[Farmer]

I do understand the not eating thing...I specialise in raising rare breed cattle, pigs and sheep, but in order to save them from extinction, we have to create and maintain a demand for them...none breeding pets won't save them...all I can do is raise them with love and care, nourish them, cherish them and give them the best life possible...but I also need to encourage people to try and then buy the very high quality meats they provide...only by doing so can we hope to keep these special animals alive and get them off the endangered/rare breed listings.

So please don't think I'm only interested in the 'commercial' aspect of farming...nothing could be further from the truth. I do what I do because its the only way I know to ensure we save these magnificent, intelligent creatures from being lost forever...and I feel very privileged and humbled by the whole process...even though I detest taking any animal to the abattoir.

Farmer 
 

[jameslindsay]

Farmer

I think it is clear to see for everyone reading your posts that you love your animals and that everything you do has their best intentions at heart. I too could never imagine a life without my animals, no matter how hard work they are or how wet it is outside when you have to feed them or clean them out. I do appreciate your help and advice, your Laurence sounds like he's some character.

James

[Farmer]

Thanks James...if you think Laurence is a character you should meet Jake and Kenco our two pet goats (bought in as part of a batch for breeding for meat, but they stole our hearts). They both have the run of the farm, but accompany me when I'm doing jobs or feeding other animals - Jake has a habit of jumping fences and when he does Kenco comes to the garden gate and bleats to let me know...I call for Jake and wherever he is he comes back looking somewhat sheepish (no pun intended). If they have a foot problem they come to me and raise a front leg to get my attention then stand and let me inspect each foot in turn...all they ask in return is a bit of conversation and a good petting...we have a Dexter Bull (Prince) who comes to the field gate and bellows to have his head brushed...two ewes (Thelma & Libby) who also like to be petted and a very large Shropshire Ram who nuzzles you until he has had his ears rubbed and head scratched...and with no exceptions every pig we raise will let you pet them (I spend a minimum of 20minutes every day with new litters until I can handle every pig without them running away)...our vets think its wonderful that they can inspect/treat animals without too much fuss and visitors to the farm are enthralled by such close contact with animals they only usually see at a distance. What a privilege to have an animal accept and trust you...nothing is more rewarding.

Sorry, I'm seem to have gone on rather a lot.

Farmer
 

[jameslindsay]

That just sounds amazing. People get very surprised when they see all my goats come running when they hear my voice or see me. I actually had just started writing this and I had to go to the rescue of Lulu - my 3 month old Golden Geurnsey Goat. She was screaming the place down, she must have been sleeping and all other 12 goats had gone off and left her so when she wakened she was alone - and not happy. Now they are all reunited and peace is restored. I like you feel as though I have a very privelaged life sharing it with so many of these wonderful animals.

[Farmer]

Tell you what James...when you listen to the news or watch TV and hear all the terrible things that are happening in the world it makes you realise just how lucky we really are...

[Rosemary]

James, Ryelands are lovely especially Coloured ones. You're welcome to come and see mine. They are a docile breed, mainly, and pretty people friendly.

[sandy]

James, have some sheep, I would prefer a B&B for animals as people can bring more problems, animals givew you so much back and with sheep when you are fed up with them you can eat them

[jameslindsay]

Thanks Rosemary, I may just take you up on the very kind offer.

[jameslindsay]

My friend who is the Animal welfare officer has suggested that during the next  breeding season she sees if she can rescue 2 orphan lambs for me. That way by bottle feeding they get a chance at living and become very tame. I think this sounds like a good idea?

[Farmer]

That's great news James...whatever breed you end up with I'm sure you'll love them. Hand rearing is great fun - when laurence was tiny he used to stand in front of the cupboard in our kitchen and wouldn't move until he had been given a bowl of cereal (he loved rice crispies best)...what a mess he made...but boy did he enjoy them.

Get some LambLac milk substitute...its easy to dilute and very nourishing...oh and more than a couple of teats...they tend to chew the ends...keep us posted

Regards
John 

[jameslindsay]

Thanks John. We fed the 2 Toggenburg kids Lamblac so feeding a couple of lambs would be no different. It is a rewarding experience bottle feeding, and although it is "tying" it is a great time and the bond you develop with the animal is just amazing. My 2 Toggenburgs are now some size but they are the most affectionate pair you will ever meet!