[perkhar]

Wanting to start ncc sheep on the croft have had a few years experience with commercial cross breeds and have always taken a shine to the cheviot wondering if anyone would know where to start.... Just wanting to build up small scale hobby

[shep53]

Where are you , sales all over Scotland or you could speak to the breed society

[perkhar]

Over in the Hebrides should have mentioned that! What would you expect to pay for good stock either from ewe lambs to gimmers? Our sales prices at the mart locally are just way off the mainlands prices. Also there are never any pedigree sales here I'd have to go away for them. Just wondering if there is anyone who has done it like this on a smaller scale recently that could point me in the right direction. What I'd expect to pay? What I'd expect to sell for a few years down the line once you get going? Getting a ram? Or buying in straws ect... Very new to this part of the sheep industry

[shep53]

Lairg or Dingwall would be nearest            look on youtube                 gims £150       ewe lambs  £100             ram £1000

[perkhar]

Yes Dingwall is possible do you think unction is the best way to go? Do you keep ncc shep??

[CarolineJ]

Big, big sale at Dingwall on Thursday with all the hogg ewe lambs coming off the hills after the SUSS calculation - my neighbours reckon it may depress the prices with so many coming on the market at once, so might be a good opportunity to get started. 

[shep53]

Yes Dingwall is possible do you think unction is the best way to go? Do you keep ncc shep??

                                                                                                                                                                  Yes keep hill northies                 if you speak to the breed society or the auctioneers  they may  point you towards a private sale                depend on how many you want to buy wether an auction would suit                     my sheep were bred up from blackface and swale ewes so not quite pure yet .

[perkhar]

I'd love to go Thursday but unfortunately I'm working.. Needs must !!! I'll have to ask around if anyone is going locally

[mowhaugh]

I would look to go to the sales at Lairg in August, you'll get the best selection there. They tend to be sold in huge lots, but mostly will split.

[perkhar]

Will be defiantly going down that route this year my heart is set on it.. I'll stick at the mixed flock i have and continue to sell here locally and then slowly build up the ncc flock on the side as more of a hobbie and see where it takes me. I really like the breed I have cross Cheviots amongst my flock and like there characteristics.

[shep53]

 If you buy pure ewes and a ram  why not use him on all your ewes to spread the cost and breed them up to pure