Raising Respectful Rams
Raising Respectful Rams—the Three R’s of sheep breeding, and something we should all be aiming to do. There are many articles online about both the importance of raising well-mannered rams as well as tips on how to go about this, so I am not going to re-invent the wheel. I will instead point you in the direction of three good articles.
Firstly, I am going to point out a couple of obvious facts that can make this process difficult for some Babydoll breeders.
• Babydoll lambs are small and cute and don’t appear to pose a threat…..YET!
• Male lambs are often more inquisitive, bolder and friendlier than the ewe lambs.
Don’t be fooled by those cute little faces looking up at you and the occasional little nudge, nibble or rubbing on the leg. This can be the first sign of a ram who may become a bit of a problem. If it’s a wether, all should be fine, but if it’s a ram lamb, nip it in the bud, or better still don’t put yourself in a position where this can happen. If the ram lambs walk away when you walk into the paddock, this is a good thing. They are not running away in fear, they are walking away as they respect you as the shepherd, and not treating you as another sheep. When you are feeding the ram lambs, feed them and walk away. Don’t stay patting them or rubbing their heads. If you are going to pat a ram, scratch him under the chin, not on the top of the head, as rams may find this threatening. Ram lambs can be quite friendly until the hormones kick in and you will suddenly find yourself with a hormone fuelled teenager who threatens you and everyone else he comes across, and although they are short, Babydolls are chunky and can pack a wallop. Don’t risk it.
Yes, I hear you. Everyone seems to have or know a ram who does not fit the typical stereotype. We have one too, although not a Babydoll. The ram who defies all the rules. He is gentle with everyone, you can pat him, scratch his chin, walk around him without fear. The chances are high, however, he wasn’t mollycoddled as a lamb. He just has respect for you.
REGARDLESS OF HOW “FRIENDLY” YOUR RAM IS, NEVER TURN YOUR BACK ON HIM. ALWAYS KNOW WHERE HE IS.
NEVER LEAVE CHILDREN UNATTENDED WITH A RAM. TEACH THEM RAM SAFETY AS WELL.
NEVER KEEP A BOTTLE FED RAM LAMB ENTIRE. You are asking for trouble and possibly causing an issue for any future owner.
If you breed a rogue ram, don’t pass him on to anyone else. Permanently dispose of him.
Further reading: