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Barnyard Buddies:  Sheep Rookie Question  |
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Norskema
True Blue Farmgirl
98 Posts
Candace
Central Indiana Area
USA
98 Posts |
 Posted - Apr 21 2007 : 7:23:22 PM
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I am thinking of getting some sheep for our little farm. We are thinking of the smaller, Babydoll, variety. My daughter and I would like to market the wool. If this goes well, we might add a second variety since I do have room in a pasture to divide it so they don't mix. Is a ram and a couple of ewes enough to begin with? We're reading a couple of books to get some background but first-hand advice is often the best. We don't want to BAAAA-tch it all up! hee hee hee
Every way of a man seems right to himself but the Lord is the tester of hearts. Proverbs 21:2 |
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Tracey
True Blue Farmgirl
766 Posts
Tracey
State of Confusion
USA
766 Posts |
Posted - Apr 21 2007 : 8:40:10 PM
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If you're planning on a trio, be sure that you've got a seperate area for your ram. Ram's can get quite aggressive sometimes, and they're protective of their girls. One of my boys right now is super sweet, the other one has begun head butting him and even made a couple of swipes at me. Better to play it safe rather than be sorry later, especially with kids around.
You'll need to have enough pasture so that you can rotate your sheep. This helps with parasite control and creates better pastures. Giving a pasture 2-4 weeks off between grazing is ideal. Given my preference, I wouldn't graze longer than two weeks in one pasture, so having three for each flock would be the goal. They don't need to be huge pastures, half an acre each is plenty of room to support a half dozen ewes; if you've got good soil, you may need even less space. Just remember to have that many areas for your ram(s) as well.
If you decide to go with two different breeds, you can run all the girls together, and the boys will be happy to have the company of one another (after a bit of jockeying for top ram position.) Even if you only have one ram, having a wether around to keep him company is a good idea. During breeding season, since you'll have several paddocks for rotating, you'll be able to split your ewe flock up and put the rams in with the right girls.
If you've got folks in your area with a ram, you may be better off just purchasing the ewes. I've had folks bring their ewes to me for breeding, but a lot of people will let their ram come to you in exchange for the feed/care of him. That's certainly an easier way to get into sheep; you can learn from a couple of ewes before jumping in with a ram, which has a higher learning curve.
Visit Quiet Storm, our adopted Mustang! http://wildaboutquietstorm.com
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Apr 21 2007 : 9:22:35 PM
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Candace-
I am the first to admit that I don't know anything about sheep, but my experience with most livestock is that the females are much easier to deal with than a breedable male. I would start with just a few ewes to get a handle on things. Just my two cents worth! :)
Alee
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Apr 22 2007 : 8:49:07 PM
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I might add my two cents on this. I have raised Southdown sheep for eleven years and they are a great breed. One thing I know about any livestock is there are no general rules. Meet the sheep and watch them interact because they all have personalities that will or will not work for you. I have had the kindest southdowns and some strong willed southdowns. I have also raised four other breed and dealt with just about every breed in the U.S. and I must say the Baby Doll Southdowns are the sweetest. However, when you get into the huge Southdowns that are now the rage I have seen the breed get aggressive and losing the gentle nature that this breed is known for.
As for the fiber - it is still unknown to most so you have a niche market but you will have to work at getting it into the hands of those who pay top dollar. I love spinning and felting with southdown and they do have a small following.
Have fun on your new adventure and spend time to really get to know the animal before purchasing. It sure will save you in the long run.
Take care
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/larkspurfunnyfarm |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Apr 22 2007 : 9:39:12 PM
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I agree...they all have their own special personality..just like different people do. My ewes are mother and daughter and couldn't be more different. The sweetest sheep I ever had was an Icelandic wether. Rams always seem to stay sweet and gentle the first 18 months or so and THEN the problems start. I have decided not to keep intact male livestock on our little place any more. TOO much experience that way. The sheep are easy to haul to breed ...or I will use a ram lamb with plans to castrate him after breeded to keep for wool only and Mona can be easily AI bred. Well, maybe the roosters count.
I am thinking of southdowns too..I love their wool for sure.
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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westernhorse51
True Blue Farmgirl
1681 Posts
michele
farmingdale
n.j.
USA
1681 Posts |
Posted - Apr 23 2007 : 05:00:36 AM
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is the wool from the Baby doll southdowns & regular southdowns all the same, except staple length?? Are the babydolls the mini southdowns? Thanks.
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
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Barnyard Buddies: Sheep Rookie Question |
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Sheep Rookie Question
