Hello folks,
Yesterday we put ram shields on both of my polled Barbados Blackbelly rams. These are thick cowhide masks which are buckled to the ram's face so that he cannot see forward. He can only see to the side. The effect is that it makes him a little less aggressive because his forward vision is impaired. I took this step because my older ram has been extremely aggressive toward the younger ram lately. This younger ram had previously been unconcerned about the older ram, and unconcerned about fighting with anyone or anything.
However, since a dangerous accidental encounter between these two rams a couple of weeks ago, the younger ram is now very aware of the older ram. They have both begun the destructive "battering" behavior even when they spot each other from a distance, across two paddock areas, or when they are aware that the other one is on the opposite side of a solid wall (regardless of the fact that they cannot see each other).
I bought one ram shield from Premier Eduipment Company, and the other one from Mid States Livestock Supply. They are both very similar. Premier sent me a very informative sheet with instructions and nice drawings showing how to attach the shield to the ram's head. They also gave a few very useful tips concerning ram behavior. First, they warned that you may want to consider putting ram shields on the non-aggressive ram(s) as well as the aggressive one, because when the other rams see the loss of confidence in the shielded ram, they may suddenly become very aggressive against the shielded ram. So for this reason, I have put shields on both my rams at the same time. Second, they advise you to put the shields on snugly, but to be sure and check for sores and abrasions regularly on the ram's face and neck. And third, they advise you to consider removing the shield when you place the ram with ewes for breeding, as the loss of confidence may slow down his performing capability, unless he seems to be particularly aggressive and has no problem breeding with the shield on.
These shields come in large or small polled, and in large or small horned sizes. I bought the small polled size from both companies. One of them fits my younger ram perfectly. The other was a little bigger, but it is still too small for my older ram. He can see a little bit forward, which I do not like. But before ordering another one in the "large polled" size, I am going to wait and see if this mask slows him down a little.
Currently, my younger ram is with a group of ewes (for breeding) and the older ram is with a group of wethers. My plan is to split the group of wethers into two groups, and put the younger ram with the second group of wethers (remove him from the ewes). I will keep the older ram with the first group of wethers. I will let the two rams live like this, apart from the ewes, for a week or so. Then I will combine the two groups of wethers (and rams) under close supervision, to see how they get along. Hopefully they will ignore each other since there are other non-breedable boys around, and no girls to fight over, and since they can't see so well either.
I will keep you all posted as to how things go, and I'd also be very interested to hear your comments and your own experience about ram group behavior, either on this listserve, or if you would want to e-mail me privately. Thanks in advance for any advice or other personal stories you have about your own rams!
Sincerely, Mary Swindell
Mary Swindell Bellwether Farm 815 Bell Hill Road Cobden, IL 62920 (618) 893-4568 (home) (618) 453-1697 (work) [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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