Our first sheep raising experience was 4 bred Romney Ewes. About 4 months after we bought them home, they started having lambs! What an experience that was. They seemed to know what they were doing. We just got to sit back and enjoy :)
Out of the four, three were productive ewes. One, did not have lambs that year, or any year after that.Our first four ewes lived here until they died! Whether they were productive or not.
As our sheep numbers grew over the years, we came to a realization that we couldn't keep them all.
First thing I did was quit naming all of my lambs. I do have sheep with names, but they are older girls who have been here a while.
Second, I had to decide what type of flock I wanted.
I knew I wanted a productive one. So, that meant keeping ewes who produced lambs, had good mothering instincts, and could be raised on pasture throughout the year and keep their condition. We call them, easy keepers".
It cost just as much to raise an "easy keeper" , as it does to raise a ewe, who does not produce lambs, or is a lousy mother, or does not keep her condition well.
Some of the guidelines given for culling from the flock are-
1) open ewes (they do not produce lambs)
2) poor mothering instincts (usually means you are raising those lambs on bottles)3) poor disposition (hard to handle, don't respect the fence, ornery)
4) poor condition (can't keep up with the rest of the flock)
5) Health issues (mastitis is one example)
6) Old ewes
I do pretty well with all but number 6- I haven't gotten to the point , when they hit a certain age, they are let go. I have a few ewes who are past their prime.
FACT: Raising sheep cost money, without unlimited funds, we have to be selective. We have a healthy respect for our animals, we take care of them as best we can. But, they are not pets. A reality we learned early on.
Oh Sandra I understand the word culling and #6 is a problem for me also. HUG B
ReplyDeleteVery heartfelt, sensitive, but realistic post. That's farm life.
ReplyDeleteI think you have a great perspective even if it is hard for you sometimes. I'm going to send your blog link to my sister-in-law. She's thinking of getting some sheep for wool this year. Happy Valentine's Day! xoxo
ReplyDeleteThe sheep will be getting this spring will be culls since we just want a few pets. I am happy to take them and the breeder is happy to let them go. It works well for all of us.
ReplyDeleteKelly, that is true. I love when we find homes for our Bottle Babies, when we have them.
DeleteIt's a hard reality -- I wish you well in your decisions. xo
ReplyDeleteI would have a hard time w/ number 6 too.
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