Author Topic: ram problem (Read 3496 times)

agri293 · « **on:** April 03, 2011, 09:59:01 pm »

hi there we have a problem my wifes first orphan lamb last year it was the smallest and weak at first but he has grown into a sturdy blackface ram she is not keen on him going to slaughter we will not breed with him has anyone have any suggestions what we can do with him she would like to get him a good home cheers

Moleskins · « **Reply #1 on:** April 04, 2011, 09:01:36 am »

Quote from: agri293 on April 03, 2011, 09:59:01 pm

anyone have any suggestions what we can do with him

It's a sad fact of life that there are too many males of sheep, cattle and allsorts born. There's only need for so many teaser rams and unless he gets a job as one of those the best suggestion is to toughen up and send him for slaughter. Otherwise you'll finish up looking for a considerable amount of land and money to keep them.

I'm stuck with the same problem with a purebred Ryeland ram lamb .........

Fleecewife · « **Reply #2 on:** April 04, 2011, 11:53:19 am »

You can get an adult ram castrated by the vet, but really they have already established their maleness by a year so not much use as a pet. Rams used in breeding flocks are very carefully chosen and unfortunately one which began life as a runt is not going to cut the mustard. He is going to have to go or you will end up with a large, randy, frustrated bully which could be a danger. It will be kinder to make the decision now - by which I mean he has to go for slaughter. For the future, get any orphan lambs castrated within the first week of life. It's a hard lesson - sorry