[muddyhill]

I'm off to see some Ryeland Shropshire x ewe lambs this weekend, based not far from us.

I'm keen on the idea of Ryeland sheep, and think they fit mostly what we are looking for (though I do like GFDs too!) but I was wondering if anyone had any idea on shropshire's as a cross.  Their owner says they are very friendly and calm (we'll see on Sunday!)  but I just wondered if apart form checking the usuals (feet, teeth etc) whether you had any wisdom for me?

 

[horlicks]

Hi muddyhill,

Don't know if i have any wisdom for you but Shropshire x should be a good ewe, going from my own experience (I have pure shrops, nz romneys and  x breeds) I would rate them highly. Surprisingly I have found the shropshire ewes to be better mothers than the Romney's and like  your seller says placid and easy to work with.

Haven't retained any shrop x lambs yet but intend to this year. Hope this helps.

[Anke]

Before you buy any "unusual" sheep ( for your area) think about what you want to do with the lambs. If you plan to sell the lambs at market anyhting that looks different from the usual lambs sold there, and in particular mixed pens (as in some with black faces, some coloured fleeces etc) will not sell as well as the bog-standard txl cross lambs.
 
But if you sell privately to friends and for yur oown consumption etc the actual breed doesn't matter as much, and slower groowing lambs may also make better quality meat (and are less input to raise).
 
Just a thought.

[Remy]

I don't know what Shropshires are like but they look lovely sheep.  I've got a Ryeland ram who I cross with my Charollais and mules, they produce fantastic meaty lambs for market.  I'm going to experiment crossing him with a Zwartbles next year, likewise I have a Zwartbles ram who I will cross with the progeny of the Ryeland and see what I get!

[muddyhill]

Thank you all!

Anke, I don't intend to be taking them to market, they will be for meat for us, friends and any of our campers who fancy some. But it's a good point. They are kept by people 5 miles up the road and there seem to be a range of ryeland crosses locally, so I hope they will suit our land.

They look lovely in photos and apparently the meat is very tasty.

Just need to hang fire now and see what they are like face to fleece!

[muddyhill]

Well, they were lovely looking, good temperament (as far as I could tell from the 40 mins spent with them) and owners were very helpful, informative and so 6 are coming to live here this week 

Thank you for your help!!

[Cosmo]

I really hope you enjoy having them