I've read your page on growing your flock with only one ram, but I think it would be even harder to find four unrelated ewes, so I'm planning out a modified version that uses two unrelated rams to create the two "distinct" breeding groups. I would love to have your input after I have thought my plan through.
As far as BB pricing goes, you'll hate me for how much I paid for mine... $35 each for the first two lambs, $100 for a pregnant ewe(1 lamb), $37.50 each for 3 ewes and a lamb from a herd dispersal, $35 for one more lamb, who was supposed to be a companion for my ram, and $45 for the ram. Averaged out, I paid $40/head<ducking&covering>, which I thought was a steal. The person I got my first lambs from just can't seem to sell for more than $75 for a mature ewe, $100 for a pregnant one... there just isn't the money around here to charge more. I saw a website where someone was asking $150 for a lamb out towards Seattle, but there's just no way anybody would buy at that price around here. Also, her sheep aren't registered, which probably makes a difference.
Anyway, thanks again everyone for your input.
Julian
At 07:01 PM 7/6/2004, you wrote:
Hi Julian,
Welcome to the list! You probably know from searching the archives at http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ that there is a wide variety of experience with ram behavior, and that most of it has not been pleasant. What I have not seen anyone mention is when such behavior first manifests itself and under what circumstances. My ram Zane went from mild-mannered to want-to-kill you overnight at about age 2 years. He is still VERY easy to handle and will walk beside me like a dog on a leash. However, if I give him any backup room, he will charge me. My understanding is that some serious hormones kick in around 2 years, thus accounting for the increased aggression. If anyone can provide more information about the hormone thing, I'd appreciate it.
Zane has been an alpha male from the day he was born. He never had an adult ram around to inflict any pecking order on him. I have a theory (and invite everyone to provide data that will support or refute it) that a ram that is raised by itself, and particularly bottle rams, will develop an alpha ram personality and become dangerous. My theory also suggests that if a ram lamb is not raised in the company of an alpha ram, he will be less aggressive to humans.
So, as James Harper suggested, I think you can get a couple years of breeding from your bottle ram and then need to replace him with one of his sons. You might want to read the article I wrote for Sheep! magazine entitled "How to Grow Your Flock with Only One Ram." The URL is at http://www.critterhaven.biz/conbreed.htm.
Carol
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