[Shuggy]

Our 3 Hebridean ewes have had mixed results in their (and our) first lambing.  They are unregistered but their tup was registered, and we've decided that we should probably do this properly and build up a small registered flock.  We fancy buying from a market as it's all part of the learning process, but we've been unable to work out when/where the Scottish rare/primitive breed markets might be - the main Lanark/Stirling/Dalmally/Oban websites do not go that far forward.  Can anyone enlighten me on roughly when in the year they take place please?  We'll be looking to buy about 5 ewes prior to tupping in November so not exactly big spenders.

Background info: we have 4 lambs, 3 of which will be slaughtered (1 is being bottle fed and the children have given it a name, so I guess it's here to stay for a while), 3 ewes (1 barren=slaughter, 1 awful mother=slaughter, 1 great mother=keeper), 1 wedder (friend for tup if we get a 'keeper' tup rather than a borrower one as per last year).

We've decided, 2 years in, that having lambs after you've had sheep for a while is like having children after being married for a while.  And we only have 3 ewes!  Frantic.

[HappyHippy]

Lanark rare breeds sale is on 18th August
Here's their website http://www.lawrie-and-symington.com/sale-dates/
There's usually a cataloge on-line a couple of days beforehand - maybe see you there 
Whereabouts in the country are you Shuggy ?
Karen 

[Fleecewife]

Hi there.  The main Hebridean Highlands and Islands show and sale is at Stirling Caledonian mart (not UA) on probably Sept 23rd and 24th this year(show on the Fri, sale sat plus other rare breeds) date not yet confirmed.  There won't be a catalogue yet, in fact it tends to be a bit last minute. See the Hebweb www.hebrideansheep.org.uk for the date once it's finalised. Lanark has a few Hebs through but not necessarily registered, as do other marts. The other official Heb sales are in England - Carlisle, York, Melton Mowbray etc.  See what we have on www.scothebs.co.uk

[Rosemary]

Rare breed sale at Aberdeen and Northern Marts at Thainstone Inverurie tomorrow - no Hebs though and the autumn sale is 27th August

[Shuggy]

Karen - we're in Perthshire (which makes Inverurie a bit far away, Rosemary, but useful to know) so I think the plan would be to pop along to Lanark and learn how to make appreciative noises during the auction, how to lean on a crook etc (!) and then have a shot at Stirling if there's anything suitable.  I've never been to a market and I feel that we should expand our horizons.  The children will be instructed to stand with their hands in their pockets.  Mind you, I still remember bidding for some chickens with my Mum when I was about 10.  We were at Lanark market and were convinced that we'd got them.  Turns out the auctioneer hadn't noticed us.  I hope my skills have improved...

Fleecewife - great info - thanks.  I may well be in touch but would like to try the markets first, partly because our borrowed tup is Gladstone Sadu Moshe so I guess we would be wise to find a different line for the ewes!  I was one of the two clueless lads who turned up and bought half a tup each from you.  You'll be pleased to know he's in rude health and was very good-natured during his visit here in December through to March.

Thanks all,

Hugh

[robert waddell]

with auctions you have to be wary of the sparrows bidding 

[Rosemary]

I've never been to a market and I feel that we should expand our horizons.  The children will be instructed to stand with their hands in their pockets.  Mind you, I still remember bidding for some chickens with my Mum when I was about 10.  We were at Lanark market and were convinced that we'd got them.  Turns out the auctioneer hadn't noticed us.  I hope my skills have improved...

My first market I met up with Andrew, who's on here. Just as well - he knew what he was doing. Just remember, marts don't take credit cards (in my experience) and I'm not sure about debit cards - so take cheque book or cash or check re cards to avoid the embarassment of having to trade in one of your children 

[HappyHippy]

Next pig & poultry sale at Lanark is Thursday 26th May - if you're coming down to it Shuggy, give me a shout and I'll do my best to be there and meet up with you if you want ? They will take debit cards for higher amounts, but if it's less than £50 cash is generally preferred and to register & get the catalouge costs £2. It's only about 30 minutes from me and I like to go for a nosey lol! Mind you, this one is 2 days before our first pig show (Lesmahagow 28th May  ) so will be hectic and possibly have 2 trainee vets in tow - but it is a great day out 
Karen 

[Shuggy]

Thanks Karen; I'm going to hold off until the August date as 'real' work will get in the way!  But I will give you a shout beforehand.  What's the best crook stance?

Hugh

[AengusOg]

  What's the best crook stance?

Without.

[HappyHippy]

Yeah, Lanark's a modern mart. With a lovely sales ring surrounded by nice tiered seating and you get your wee paper number to wave when you're bidding, so no unwanted buying goes on 
See you there 

[Rosemary]

  What's the best crook stance?

Without.

  Damn, I thought mine was quite cool.