new to sheep

[Latestarter]

awww shucks <blushing, turning head down, digging toe in the carpet>

 

[newton the goat]

awww shucks <blushing, turning head down, digging toe in the carpet>

Lol no problem

 

[newton the goat]

Congrats on your plans!

If you're going to keep ewe lambs born, the ram will have the most influence on your future flock, so make sure he's as good as possible. You'll want good conformation, good growth, a good stocky look. Ask the breeder to show you what they look for to judge a sheep - ask for specifics, and if they can point out some differences among their own sheep (keeping in mind that some breeders - of any animal - don't see the faults in their own animals as easily as others). If possible the ram should have been born a twin. Get up close and personal and make sure he has both testicles descended.

For the ewes you want good conformation and growth, too, especially if you'll be breeding them as ewe lambs. Ewes that were twins again are preferable. Ask the breeder what their lambing complication rate is, and what's the most typical lambing difficulty they deal with. Try to avoid buying any ewes whose moms have difficult births.

I wasn't sure from your post - is the ram a year old, or a month old? It's going to be harder evaluating a very young ram. And it's ok to get an older ewe or two, if they are healthy and in good shape, and have no history of lambing problems. They'll know what they're doing come lambing time, and can be less likely to have trouble than a ewe lambing for the first time (with that said, I started out with 2 pregnant first-timers, and everything went smoothly).

Ask both breeders what they vaccinate for (CDT, which covers tetanus and some clostridial diseases, should be a minimum), and if they test for anything (some do, some don't, I didn't even ask since I didn't know). Ask what they feed - you'll want to feed the same, and make any changes slowly. Ask them if the type of fence you have is suitable for keeping them in.

Looking forward to pictures - good luck!

Sadly enough I didn't get a chance to go see them today like planned .... which ultimately sucks but I did go pick up the new rooster I purchased ( completely off topic lol ik) welcome to the family rod Stewart ( he came with the name and it really suits him )

 

[Baymule]

I love Rod Stewart!! You're right, the name fits him! Does he crow or sing?

 

[newton the goat]

I love Rod Stewart!! You're right, the name fits him! Does he crow or sing?

Well he's still pretty young right now so he attempts to sing and his voice cracks
The best part is my father just shoved him in the night we got him ( I was terrified my other rooster would go at him) but we woke up the next morning and the both of them were buried up to their necks in hens.. not even an argument between the two yet

 

[NH homesteader]

Now that chicken could have no other name but Rod Stewart. Especially with his current crackly voice. Perfect name! What breed is he? I don't know much about the fancy looking chicken breeds!

 

[newton the goat]

Now that chicken could have no other name but Rod Stewart. Especially with his current crackly voice. Perfect name! What breed is he? I don't know much about the fancy looking chicken breeds!

He's a Polish and a beautiful one at that lol at least out of one's I've seen

 

[newton the goat]

My dad is finally joining the site! Yeesss! Finally XD

 

[Baymule]

My dad is finally joining the site! Yeesss! Finally XD

What's his online name?

 

[newton the goat]

What's his online name?

Were still setting up his account and he hasn't decided yet I'll let you know as soon as I do