new Katahdin sheep member

[katahdinfarm]

Hi all, we live in Humboldt county, ca, and have a Katahdin ram and ewe. They are half-siblings, and this summer, she gave birth to a deformed lamb, who didn't make it. So, we are hoping to obtain a new ewe. There aren't a lot of Katahdin owners in this county, even though we had been given these two; but now, I'm only seeing them in a couple of places for sale, since they're registered, etc, but we don't need that; we just want to raise lambs for butchering. It is good to have Katahdins, we appreciate their traits. Perhaps someone will want to buy our ewe, so we can justify buying another one.

 

[Baymule]

Hi all, we live in Humboldt county, ca, and have a Katahdin ram and ewe. They are half-siblings, and this summer, she gave birth to a deformed lamb, who didn't make it. So, we are hoping to obtain a new ewe. There aren't a lot of Katahdin owners in this county, even though we had been given these two; but now, I'm only seeing them in a couple of places for sale, since they're registered, etc, but we don't need that; we just want to raise lambs for butchering. It is good to have Katahdins, we appreciate their traits. Perhaps someone will want to buy our ewe, so we can justify buying another one.

Keep your ewe. Many things can go wrong, give her another chance. If she loses the next lamb, then cull her. I raise Katahdin sheep and sometimes things just don’t go right.

Are you going to only keep one ewe? I suggest 2 ewes to go with your ram.

There are lots of informative posts in the sheep forum. If you are new to sheep, it could be helpful to read the past posts in the forum.

 

[SageHill]

Can’t help much with your problem. But I do know how tough it can be to get sheep.
Hind sight I probably missed a great chance mostly because I was new to this end of sheep (30+ yrs of training herding dogs and judging).
Keep the ewe @Baymule gave you great advice.
But ….. Welcome to BYH from So Cal (San Diego county).

 

[farmerjan]

Welcome from Virginia... I would also give the ewe a 2nd chance. This past year has been a weird one in so many places. I would also suggest getting at least 1 or 2 more ewes for the ram. Company and if something should go wrong, you might be able to get a ewe to raise a lamb that is not hers also, foster one on another ewe... like mastitis or anything.
You also might want to find any other breed of sheep to give him an "extra"... the lambs will be half and will not have as heavy a wool coat... if you are raising them for meat, then it shouldn't be a big deal if they don't shed off good. Any nice ewe lambs you could keep and then replace the ram down the road.
You might be able to find some Dorper sheep who are also a hair breed... very meaty build.... maybe a female or 2 of them to cross...

 

[katahdinfarm]

Keep your ewe. Many things can go wrong, give her another chance. If she loses the next lamb, then cull her. I raise Katahdin sheep and sometimes things just don’t go right.

Are you going to only keep one ewe? I suggest 2 ewes to go with your ram.

There are lots of informative posts in the sheep forum. If you are new to sheep, it could be helpful to read the past posts in the forum.

thank you, Baymule, for the advice; I am going to take that advice, and hopefully, we will acquire another ewe at some point. So glad for this forum

 

[katahdinfarm]

Thank you, all, for your helpful replies. I am going to follow Baymule's advice; that was what I had felt some intuition to do, and this confirms it.

 

[Baymule]

There are no stupid questions. Ask whatever you want to know. You may receive many different answers, pick what fits you and your situation. I’m glad I could be of help.

 

[murphysranch]

Look over in Josephine County or Jackson County (OR) for CL listings. That's only a 2.5 hour drive and much more ag and farm centric.

 

[Ridgetop]

Keep the ewe and replace the ram. Rams are easier to find than registered (or unregistered) ewes.