[Oopsiboughtasheep]

I have been offered 2 Herdwick ewes today (3yrs old) from a friend who is 'downsizing' their flock but would like these 2 that he is fond of, not to go for meat. My current 6 sheep are pets/mowers and I wondered if this breed will be good to fit in with that? Are they a flighty type of sheep to handle or quite easy/friendly? If I do have them, my sheep are currently out in a 7 acre paddock with the horses, so should I bring them into a smaller paddock to integrate them? I haven't introduced new girls to the flock for a while. Thankyou in advance for any advice you may have.

[Womble]

The answer depends so much on the individual animals in question, I'd want to go and see them before making a decision. Since your friend clearly cares about their welfare, I'm sure they'd agree to that?


If they're bucket trained then having them on 7 acres should be ok.  If they're not (or even if they are and your grass is good) then make sure you buy some good binoculars - been there, done that! 

[landroverroy]

I agree with Womble - it depends so much on the individual.
I had an old Herdwick ewe that just appeared in someone's garden. Probably fell off a wagon.
Anyway we had here for 4 or 5 years before she died of extreme old age, and she was no trouble. I have her daughter who is the most devious animal you could meet. She's not a lot of trouble unless you want to catch and then you just wish she was tame like her mum was.

[harmony]

I have a herdwick. Never jumps out but she has only got three good legs. 


As Womble says go and have a look at the sheep and their fencing. Stone walls don't pose any problem if they are jumpers.


Once one jumps out they all tend to follow and if you have a persistent jumper/ratcher they will always be one.

[Oopsiboughtasheep]

Many thanks for your replies. I've been to see the sheep and they look fit and healthy with lambs at foot. One quite tame, the other is a bit more reserved and apparently hard to catch since she required treatment for a bad foot. She came over to me though, so hopefully my digestive biscuit tactic might have a positive effect there! I think I might put them in a smaller paddock to start with Womble - good advice, Thankyou. They are pretty little sheep. I have agreed to take them once the lambs are off them.