[Lilljoho]

Hi,

After a bad time of Cade lambs. I've decided to get some ewes to have lambs of their own next spring. I've narrowed it down to ryelands or Southdowns, but which?

Any help, opinions or information appreciated

Thanks Jo

[Dan]

A couple of previous threads you might find useful:

Southdown v Ryeland
ryelands v southdowns

Feel free to ask any new questions here.

HTH.

Dan

[Lilljoho]

Thanks :-)

[Lilljoho]

In meat quality does anyone have a preference?

[Buffy the eggs layer]

I keep Ryelands for the following reasons,
I love their friendly, confident and tameable nature.
They are small enough for me to catch, turn over, pin down etc
They have good feet
They do well on poor pasture
I find them easy to train and dont require a dog, a crook or a race to get them from A - B.
Lastly and perhaps more importantly, I like the look of them.
Not sure if that helps as there are probably as many pros for any breed.
 

[Buffy the eggs layer]

Ryeland meet is lovely but I cant comment on southdown as I havent tried it. Im sure that it is equally as good. Where are you based? Can you visit any breeders or shows.
I think if I had to pick one quality over all others I would say its the Ryelands placid nature that I love. They learn routines quickly and commands. They come to their names and enjoy affection. Especially chest scratching. Mine wander freely about the place eating the grass verges down and are like big woolly dogs.
I find them so super easy to deal with, they are a delight to own.

[Lilljoho]

Thanks for your reply. I'm Worcestershire area. I've seen both in person just looking for inside info. I'll look up some breeders

[Marches Farmer]

Hello, we're in NE Herefordshire and have a flock of registered, pedigree Southdowns, which have just finished lambing.   You're welcome to come and take a look at them.  We'll have ewe lambs for sale in July and also offer ram hire.  Please PM me if you'd like to look them over.