Author Topic: Older wethers (Read 2686 times)

Remy · « **on:** April 29, 2013, 05:56:09 pm »

Is there a market for older sheep? I have two big wethers whom I've had since orphans, they have to be about 6 years old now but I have to downsize my flock as I need to make sure I have enough grazing over winter - this year was awful and I was having to buy in loads. The wethers are very big and should really go, it sounds awful and I'm fond of them but I have to concentrate on the breeding ewes.

lachlanandmarcus · « **Reply #1 on:** April 29, 2013, 06:02:47 pm »

Yes, but mainly for the halal kebab market, so depends whether that's ok for you....

shep53 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 29, 2013, 06:12:44 pm »

WOW must be a lot of halal kebabs out there , quiet time for ewes , scottish markets 7-8000 per week

lachlanandmarcus · « **Reply #3 on:** April 29, 2013, 06:28:19 pm »

Ok pet food and burgers as well, I just dont like not knowing which route they went when it's an animal I've had for a long time, I prefer them to be done locally and me and the dogs eat them.

Pedwardine · « **Reply #4 on:** April 29, 2013, 07:01:56 pm »

I'm with L&M.

VSS · « **Reply #5 on:** April 29, 2013, 08:52:36 pm »

If they are in good condition, I would put them in a shed with straw to eat for a couple of weeks to thin them down a bit and then put them in the freezer - hang for at least 10 days, fortnight if you can manage it.

Older weathers need a bit of a diet as they tend to lay down a lot of body fat. Even so, you will probably need to trim a lot of fat off the carcass, but it will be delicious!

Blacksheep · « **Reply #6 on:** April 29, 2013, 10:08:17 pm »

We took some cull sheep in a couple of weeks ago, including a 10year old wether, he made the highest price, at least £75, so yes there is definitely a market for them to my surprise. Not easy to do but have to look on it as him having had a lot of bonus years and the older sheep start to get a problems with stiffness etc.