Does anyone keep sheep?

[minskey]

Hi One & All

Does anyone keep sheep. I did before time began so I've forgotten more than I remember

What I would like to do is get two lambs to grow on through the summer and end up in the freezer by around November. They would be in our paddock which would mean we didn't have to mow it which cost's a surprising amount of money; it gets overgrown very fast if you miss a week then its a strimmer job. Lamb in the freezer would be a huge bonus.

What do you think...................................

[di]

I think I'd struggle big time come slaughter day.It's one thing having a small flock that you can stay slightly detatched from...but just the two?...not sure if that's me suggesting 'No,don't do it' or...'Yep,go for it but get six and not two'?!....but then a couple of years ago I'd never have believed myself capable of eating a Cockeral hatched and raised by myself.

[Glutton4...]

Fab idea. If my Folks' paddock was fenced, I'd do the same!

[binley100]

I think I agree with Di, good idea if you have a few but if you only have one or two then the temptation to get attached to them is very strong........How about some goats. Then you could milk them instead of eating them......

[Snadger]

I'm just off to bed to watch a few jumping the fence.........

[chris]

Long day yesterday snadger? :P

I'd love to do the same - by me you can 'Adopt' a lamb - you pay £199 and have input on what feed it has (non gm, organic, etc) and when it reaches the correct age it's slaughtered and you get the whole carcass. -really does appeal to me, but I'm the only one who eats lamb in my house, even my family don't eat it that much - they don't like the thought of it. me? mutton, sheep, veal, cow, moo oink quack (proably even meow if I could catch them messing in my garden!!) goes down a treat

Sounds a great idea to me! (Though I'd have to get someone else to do the killing. I think I'd be ok with a chicken or goose or similar, but not something that's so large in comparison).

[stella]

I am thinking of getting a couple as well. Like you I had them years ago, I really need them as we have so much grass around and it is a full weeks work keeping it tidy.Supply constant clean water would be another job but the freezer bonus would outweigh that. When it comes to slaughter they would be just taken away in a van. We eat our chickens so must be the same.

[Nicos]

My OH would like 2 or 3. We just about have enough land.

We've been told that their weak spot are their feet- they easily get rot- so you need to choose a breed which does well on the ground you have.

Personally I'd go for it, just be prepared for a bit of heart ache

[Hilary B]

considerations
1) fencing, just how good is it? (and this is where goats might be a problem, they are even less respectful of fences than sheep)
2) availability, mostly it is 'orphaned' lambs that are on offer. These will need
3) bottle feeding. Can you get the suitable milk powder?
4) if you do get baby lambs, the 'fondness' factor gets enormous, because you will be Mum!
5) if you are likely to keep them until November, make sure any ram lambs have had rubber rings applied as appropriate. That is about when they start deciding they are grown up, and not only is there some risk of them getting awkward, it produces a flavour in the meat, one that most people don't like.

Once you have thought about the above, you will be able to decide whether that answer is for you.

[poly]

Sounds a good idea to me as you have the space, particularly if they are close by, easy to keep an eye on them etc.

Legislation may have changed a bit, to keep sheep now you need a holding number (CPH) and a Flock number (Registered Keeper of Sheep), apply to DEFRA for a flock number and ask for info on current regulations.

All sheep/lambs now need to be either single or double tagged. (lambs kept under 12 months one tag, lambs over 12 months and breeding stock need 2 tags. They will be ready tagged when you buy them and hopefully they won’t lose a tag to need retagging.

What about getting 3 lambs just in case something happens to one then the other won’t be on its own.

I’ve been thinking along the same lines, though I thought of buying a couple of ewes to lamb this spring, bit more work but lots of fun too.

[RichmondHens]

Go for it. We have considered having sheep on our holding but just happen to live next door to about 1000 and buy their meat so seems a bit pointless ...........

Looking into putting Dexter cattle on ours, plus ponies, once all the fencing has been sorted (long, long job).

[minskey]

Hi All,

Thank you all for your comments and advice, very useful as always.

I have a Defra CPH. Goats not an option as they eat EVERYTHING I wouldn't slaughter them myself [not licenced so not permitted] & I have a slaughterhouse very near. Fencing; my paddock ifs fenced on all sides but I'll get electric tape too. I would'nt get orphaned lambs I'll look for weaned growers so to speak. Looks like a good idea at the moment.

I'll keep you posted

[Hilary B]

Hi All,

Thank you all for your comments and advice, very useful as always.

I have a Defra CPH. Goats not an option as they eat EVERYTHING I wouldn't slaughter them myself [not licenced so not permitted] & I have a slaughterhouse very near. Fencing; my paddock ifs fenced on all sides but I'll get electric tape too. I would'nt get orphaned lambs I'll look for weaned growers so to speak. Looks like a good idea at the moment.

I'll keep you posted

Goats certainly have a wider range of edibles than sheep, they also do NOT respect fences (some sheep do, some don't, depends largely on breed). Lambs that are sold after weaning are likely to be the 'poor doers'. The ones that grow well reach slaughter weight by the time they are ready to leave Mum!

[Scottishnewbie]

we have a shetland flock and they are fab, not only for keeping the grass down but they also improve the quality of the grass too. my friend has soays and they take about 18 months to mature so you could keep them longer.
yes you need CPH and flock numbers.
we find taking them to the abbatoir is ok once you get your head round it. we have been quite attached to some of ours but the local abbatoir is fine and they trea the animals well and surprisingly, when we got our first lot of meat back, the emotion i felt wasnt sadness, it was actually pride! not what i had expected at all.
i'd say go for it, the time you save on maintaining your grass is well worth it.

[bobleponge]

Its something I am thinking of as well. I have the land, and lamb is most definitely my favourite meat.
Taking them to the abattoir wouldnt ever be a problem for me, in fact, the last lamb I bought I killed myself and had my mate the village butcher show me how to butcher it properly.
My only concern really is just HOW much time you have to devote to them?