Evening team. Hasn't the weather been amazing!
An update...
We bought these sheep in good faith off a large commercial farmer local to us here in Shropshire. The deal was brokered, as it were, by a member of his staff who is a friend of ours (who we trust). After it transpired that it wasn't totally, shall we say, by the book, we contacted our mate and explained the situation... Which we were fearing would be a bit awkward. But he was sound and agreed that the farmer was a little bit naughty by not tagging them before they moved, so he said he'd get the tags and show us how to fit them.
Whilst I was disappointed in the farmers actions (I still can't see the advantage to the farmer of not tagging them?!), as somebody else pointed out, I do have to at least partly take the blame for this situation as although I did my research (up to a point, obviously) I was not sure enough of myself to insist the ears were tagged. At least I insisted on a movement licence, so at least I did something right!
And I went through the licence with the person from Arams and even though each individual sheep isn't listed, the form is adequately filled out.
We also, during speaking to several people from several departments, have a few administrative bits and bobs to sort out, but we're on our way!
We also have a lame one.
Now the fun bit! We have managed to bucket train two already- one of them is like a dog! And the others are showing an interest, which will make life easier - we caught the lame one and sprayed it's foot, but not after it dragged Mrs scremmett through a huge pile of poo which made it all worthwhile!
I will have many more questions as time goes on, but I do have to thank everyone for the advice and, as importantly, the support we have had in this thread.
You've genuinely made a difference.
Chris and caroline.
