On Monday, I wrote about the fact that I had come across five sheep spread between the ram flock and ewe flock that were scouring. Although none of these was in immediate risk of death, it was important to treat them to eliminate the scouring. A prolonged period of scouring reduces the nutrients that sheep […]
This is the first of a two-part blog that takes a look at how the environment of a flock can heavily impact the selection of replacements by the shepherd. The conclusion will be posted on Friday, August 14th. By the time our lambs are only a month old, our assessment of each and what they […]
Sheep temperament is hereditary. That is not to say you will always get a sweet offspring from two sweet and gentle parents, but the parentage certainly doesn’t hurt! And like most traits that have a hereditary component, the more strongly you select for a trait among your flock members, the more likely you are to […]
An online dictionary defines selection as “carefully choosing something as being the best or most suitable.” When it comes to sheep, there are many factors that go into the process and, in one way or another, some sheep are going to be selected for or against. A shepherd can’t avoid selection; the question is who […]
This is the time of year when our waiting list for lambs is growing. Whenever I’m contacted about breeding stock, my first question is always “Please tell me a little bit about what you’re planning to do with your sheep. What do you want them for?” The answer to this single question will guide me […]