I have a ram that, although I don't know if he's a bottle baby, is certainly tame. I have no real problem with him - in fact, he tends to calm the ewes down, which I would rather have calm sheep than crazy ones. He is an effective breeder and is quite protective of his ewes and babies. The only exception is when I have treats or food for them. If I have food, I don't turn my back on him, and that works fine. He means no harm, but he just doesn't realize that he's so strong and he gets impatient and will push you if you turn your back on him. I wouldn' t trade him for anything! Easy to handle, just walk up and grab his horns - do anything to him and he loves to have his ears scratched . . . I like to be able to handle my sheep and he helps make that easier.
good luck and have fun with them!!! Onalee In a message dated 7/6/2004 5:42:03 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hello, I'm new to the list, and to sheep. I have 8 (possibly/probably 9) ewes, all from the same source. I managed to find someone nearby who has unrelated blackbellys, but the only rams she had available were bottle babies. I took one home, and now I've been reading that bummer rams sometimes tend to have behavioral issues once their hormones kick in. What are my chances of getting this little guy off with the rest of my flock, and not be overly dangerous to anyone later in life? I don't know where I'll find another ram without driving 800+ miles, each way. Thanks, Julian =============================================== This message is from the Barbados Blackbelly Sheep mailing list (http://www.awrittenword.com/listserv/index.html). To respond to this message, send e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe or change your membership options, go to http://lists.coyotenet.net/mailman/listinfo/blackbelly To search the archives, go to http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/
