Omlet Smart Autodoor - New in box

[henriette]

We have been offered 2 lambs for rearing and although we have often discussed having a couple of sheep, we really are not sure whether it is a good idea or not.

We only have a spare 1/2 acre of grazing, which would have to be divided into two I guess so that one part could rest, so we think perhaps there is not quite enough land.

We have kept sheep in the past, but some years ago. They were good old Suffolks and we had plenty of space. These are a much smaller breed, Ouessent, which are a little bit like Hebredians but less bouncy

Our neighbour who is offering them to us said he will take care of their feet etc for us, so in effect we would just be having them "to admire" (and feed!)

I can easily let my heart rule my head with hens, ducks and geese, but I think I need to be sensible about sheep

Any advice will be readily accepted

[Lewis]

Lambs How could you say no to ouessants!?

 

How old are they also makes a difference? Would they still need a bottle or are they older?

Half an acre should be ok for 2 littlies but because they're always on the same grass you'll need to keep up with worming them.

Could you always see how it goes and then the neighbour have them back if its too much

 

The other thing, is it the same with DEFRA here and will you need a holiding number first (or do you have one)?

[henriette]

It will be very difficult to say no They are very, very cute

They were born the day before yesterday but will stay with their Mum until they are older.

I am sure our neighbour would take them back if we had difficulties, but the problem is that we will have to invest in some sensible fencing. There is a fence pretty much all round the property but it is not sheep proof.

There is a similar system to DEFRA over here. Each sheep has to be tagged and registered with the GDS (Groupement de Defense Sanitaire). That is something we must bear in mind too.

It is a plus that you think we have enough land

About 15 years ago I used to take in about 6 orphan lambs every year. I loved bottle feeding them Some moved on and some we kept. I ended up with a flock of about 12 in the end. We also had our own lambs, but I used to get really stressed out at lambing

I certainly couldn't go through that now!

Thanks ever so much for your view - I shall certainly let you know what happens

[Lesley]

Is there a reason for your neighbour to want to take them from their mother? - does he keep sheep for milk?

 

I'd probably say yes.....we're not good at saying 'no'

 

We're waiting to see if we get some orphan lambs - we're all set up ready to go.

[henriette]

We wouldn't be having them until they are weaned. Oh Lesley,I really would like them As it would appear that we do just about have enough land, that is no longer a problem. However, we did a costing on the amount of fencing we would need and it is fairly expensive

Hope you get your orphan lambs OK - don't you just love them to bits How are all you other animals?

[Lewis]

Could you get electric fencing?

I know its not ideal, but the farm sometimes has to put sheep to graze on other fields (to graze for someone else, or after the crop has been harvested) and we, well they , use electric fencing and it seems to work fine and its not too expensive either.

[henriette]

You're right, that really could be the solution We are using one at the moment to give the geese and ducks extra free-ranging when we're home, but we stupidly didn't connect the power thinking it wasn't necessary. Unfortunately, the geese have managed to peck their way through in several places so the fence itself is ruined. A new one would do the trick for the lambs and the feathered horrids Incicentally, do you happen to know anything about ganders? Ours has turned into a really bad guy His whole aim in life is to peck me whenever he can. Mind you, the drake is no better. I think Lesley had a similar problem with one of her drakes too. He doesn't bother me but will peck the chickens if he gets the chance!

Anyway, have a good weekend

[Lesley]

Yes, we did - our drake ended up in the freezer

 

Electric fence sounds like the answer Hentriette

 

(sorry - misunderstanding over the lambs - I'm glad you'renot having them until they're weaned )

[Lewis]

Is it an electric net, or a few strands onto poles? - could you repair it?

 

Not sure about ganders

[henriette]

It's bright orange netting. I managed to buy some plastic string the same colour the other day and yes, I am hoping to repair it but I know the geese are going to continue to demolish it Even when repaired though, I don't think we're going to be able to get current running through. There is so much damage. It is worth a try though. We are going to see our neighbour today for further discussions about the lambs

[henriette]

Well, finally after a lot of discussions we have come to the sad decision that we will not be having the lambs

Although on the face of it we have enough land, we also have to keep enough space to exercise the border collies and it would mean we would have to fence them out of their play area. (We forgot about that with all the excitement of the possibility of having the lambs!)

Thank you Lesley and Iwescott for all your suggestions - we very nearly got our lambs, but I shall just have to be content with going down to Nico's and seeing them there