Agri Vehicles Insurance from Greenlands

Author Topic: First ram advice (Indoor or Outdoor)  (Read 3357 times)

crobertson

  • Joined Sep 2015
First ram advice (Indoor or Outdoor)
« on: September 07, 2016, 07:45:18 am »
We are currently looking for our first ram (probably ram lamb) for our 6 texel shearlings.

The idea was to move our ewes into a fenced / dry stone wall and hedgerow field freeing up the electric fencing to be used on a field away from the ewes for the ram (+companion). However, our neighbouring farmer has been tidying up their fence like / removed the hedgerow meaning one side of the ewe field isn't as secure - our electric fencing is now being used.

We now have no spare electric fencing at the minute if I were to buy a ram but my question is do folks house their rams indoors in the run up to tupping ? I remember when we picked our ewe lambs up last year the farmer had his rams indoors as this is something we have got space to do. I just wasn't sure whether they'd be better indoors or outdoors ?

Any advice much appreciated

Sbom

  • Joined Jul 2012
  • Staffordshire
Re: First ram advice (Indoor or Outdoor)
« Reply #1 on: September 07, 2016, 08:35:17 am »
My Rams live out all year round.
My worry would be that if the fencing is less than secure then one sniff of an in season ewe and he'll be off!

SallyintNorth

  • Joined Feb 2011
  • Cornwall
  • Rarely short of an opinion but I mean well
    • Trelay Cohousing Community
Re: First ram advice (Indoor or Outdoor)
« Reply #2 on: September 07, 2016, 11:04:09 am »
If you're not sure of your fencing, keep him indoors - but with a pal.  You can't keep a sheep on its own.
Don't listen to the money men - they know the price of everything and the value of nothing

Live in a cohousing community with small farm for our own use.  Dairy cows (rearing their own calves for beef), pigs, sheep for meat and fleece, ducks and hens for eggs, veg and fruit growing

waterbuffalofarmer

  • Joined Apr 2014
  • Mid Wales
  • Owner of 61 Mediterranean water buffaloes
Re: First ram advice (Indoor or Outdoor)
« Reply #3 on: September 07, 2016, 03:29:02 pm »
it depends on situation, if the fencing isn't good enough (IE in bad repair) I would consider keeping indoors, or put up an electric fencing, I have a neighbour who does this. Personally I keep mine in a well inclosed field (try to) quite a way from the ewes and that way they can't see/smell each other, with some company he will be fine. Some people keep their rams in with a donkey to keep it company? Not sure about that one. Hope this helps :)
the most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, loving concern.

twizzel

  • Joined Apr 2012
Re: First ram advice (Indoor or Outdoor)
« Reply #4 on: September 07, 2016, 04:55:31 pm »
it depends on situation, if the fencing isn't good enough (IE in bad repair) I would consider keeping indoors, or put up an electric fencing, I have a neighbour who does this. Personally I keep mine in a well inclosed field (try to) quite a way from the ewes and that way they can't see/smell each other, with some company he will be fine. Some people keep their rams in with a donkey to keep it company? Not sure about that one. Hope this helps :)


Donkeys carry lungworm so I wouldn't keep any livestock with one.

Buttermilk

  • Joined Jul 2014
Re: First ram advice (Indoor or Outdoor)
« Reply #5 on: September 07, 2016, 09:03:25 pm »
it depends on situation, if the fencing isn't good enough (IE in bad repair) I would consider keeping indoors, or put up an electric fencing, I have a neighbour who does this. Personally I keep mine in a well inclosed field (try to) quite a way from the ewes and that way they can't see/smell each other, with some company he will be fine. Some people keep their rams in with a donkey to keep it company? Not sure about that one. Hope this helps :)


Donkeys carry lungworm so I wouldn't keep any livestock with one.
Since ivermectin was developed there is absolutely no reason for donkeys to have lungworm.

Marches Farmer

  • Joined Dec 2012
  • Herefordshire
Re: First ram advice (Indoor or Outdoor)
« Reply #6 on: September 07, 2016, 09:31:15 pm »
Donkeys were kept with young hunting horses to calm them down ....

landroverroy

  • Joined Oct 2010
Re: First ram advice (Indoor or Outdoor)
« Reply #7 on: September 07, 2016, 11:45:44 pm »
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Donkeys carry lungworm so I wouldn't keep any livestock with one.

So do several other types of animal, if they are not wormed. Donkeys are easily wormed and as suggested, make a good companion for a ram if suitable sheep isn't available.  Our ram has lived quite happily with our donkeys. 
 However, in answer to the original question - I personally think your ram would be happier outside, but if there's nowhere suitable and he has company, then I'm sure he would be ok inside for a while.
Rules are made:
  for the guidance of wise men
  and the obedience of fools.

 

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