Author Topic: Ramboillet sheep! (Read 3603 times)

waterbuffalofarmer · « **on:** December 18, 2014, 06:34:50 pm »

I have been interested in finding these sheep in the UK, however it seems no one keeps them, does anyone know if there is a breeder in the uk?
Thanks

Marches Farmer · « **Reply #1 on:** December 18, 2014, 07:20:59 pm »

So none of the 70-odd native breeds appeal ....? Beware getting any breed of anything that's very low in numbers - the difficulties involved in introducing new bloodlines, or selling surplus stock, are huge.

waterbuffalofarmer · « **Reply #2 on:** December 18, 2014, 10:07:58 pm »

Quote from: Marches Farmer on December 18, 2014, 07:20:59 pm

So none of the 70-odd native breeds appeal ....? Beware getting any breed of anything that's very low in numbers - the difficulties involved in introducing new bloodlines, or selling surplus stock, are huge.

I do keep a traditional breed, the Lleyn, but I had a bet with someone that i could find a breeder in the uk, in actual fact I don't really want to keep sheep which will break my back everytime I try and pick em up, according to breeders the ewes weigh 200lbs live weight and the rams 300lbs live weight, that is a whole lot of sheep!

SallyintNorth · « **Reply #3 on:** December 19, 2014, 10:40:42 am »

I'd be surprised of you found a breeder in the UK. There's few enough managing with the Saxon Merinos, let alone trying the French version.

You could try asking on Ravelry in UK fleeeece people - if anyone is over here breeding them, they're likely selling their fleeces to handspinners, I'd think. Unless they've got a large enough flock and are making yarn, or even finished items, I suppose...

waterbuffalofarmer · « **Reply #4 on:** December 19, 2014, 11:04:17 am »

I think if i was gonna keep em I would breed em for meat.

darkbrowneggs · « **Reply #5 on:** December 19, 2014, 11:05:23 am »

Quote from: waterbuffalofarmer on December 18, 2014, 10:07:58 pm

Quote from: Marches Farmer on December 18, 2014, 07:20:59 pm
So none of the 70-odd native breeds appeal ....? Beware getting any breed of anything that's very low in numbers - the difficulties involved in introducing new bloodlines, or selling surplus stock, are huge.
I do keep a traditional breed, the Lleyn, but I had a bet with someone that i could find a breeder in the uk, in actual fact I don't really want to keep sheep which will break my back everytime I try and pick em up, according to breeders the ewes weigh 200lbs live weight and the rams 300lbs live weight, that is a whole lot of sheep!

You shouldn't need to 'pick sheep up'

[size=78%] there is s technique involved, which results in the sheep on its back supported by your knees. Get someone to show you or go on a sheep keeping course. When I kept sheep I could turn them even the ram[/size]

am I am 5ft nothing.

Tim W · « **Reply #6 on:** December 19, 2014, 01:14:48 pm »

Quote from: darkbrowneggs on December 19, 2014, 11:05:23 am

Quote from: waterbuffalofarmer on December 18, 2014, 10:07:58 pm
Quote from: Marches Farmer on December 18, 2014, 07:20:59 pm
So none of the 70-odd native breeds appeal ....? Beware getting any breed of anything that's very low in numbers - the difficulties involved in introducing new bloodlines, or selling surplus stock, are huge.
I do keep a traditional breed, the Lleyn, but I had a bet with someone that i could find a breeder in the uk, in actual fact I don't really want to keep sheep which will break my back everytime I try and pick em up, according to breeders the ewes weigh 200lbs live weight and the rams 300lbs live weight, that is a whole lot of sheep!

You shouldn't need to 'pick sheep up' [size=78%] there is s technique involved, which results in the sheep on its back supported by your knees. Get someone to show you or go on a sheep keeping course. When I kept sheep I could turn them even the ram[/size] am I am 5ft nothing.

If you have functional sheep you shouldn't even need to turn them over

Slimjim · « **Reply #7 on:** December 19, 2014, 06:51:14 pm »

We know what you mean, WBF.
With your interest in water buffalo you are obviously a lateral thinker, so go for it. I have 6 pure breeds among my flock of 8 sheep because I find them interesting. I am the laughing stock of my neighbours, but it's water off a duck's back I'm afraid.

Marches Farmer · « **Reply #8 on:** December 19, 2014, 07:02:08 pm »

When I got my Southdowns (we're in Suffolk on a Welsh Mule country here) my neighbour looked over the fence and said "There may be a reason why they're rare!" However, twelve years on, I have a waiting list for my breeding quality ewe lambs, several new flocks have been registered in the adjoining counties started with purchases from me and we hire rams to a growing number of smallholders and farmers. Our neighbour still doesn't quite believe it, but there's a sort of grudging respect going on now when he contemplates our woolly sheep from across the fence....

waterbuffalofarmer · « **Reply #9 on:** December 19, 2014, 08:12:48 pm »

Quote from: Slimjim on December 19, 2014, 06:51:14 pm

We know what you mean, WBF.
With your interest in water buffalo you are obviously a lateral thinker, so go for it. I have 6 pure breeds among my flock of 8 sheep because I find them interesting. I am the laughing stock of my neighbours, but it's water off a duck's back I'm afraid.

yea i agree i keep breeds of animals cause i find them interesting. I bought the faverolle hens because i really liked them and found they were a dual purpose breed, am gonna buy a cockerel next year and then i can start a meat flock, strictly for my own use though. I keep buffaloes because they are completely different, in a good way, to cows and are more intelligent, but also because I want to make cheese and mozzarella. I keep lleyns because of the fantastic quality of the meat and i bought a very good ram so that the carcase will be better. Also because lleyns are a welsh breed. I keep certain breeds of animals because I really like them.