Operation kåre - and the fun begins

Meaning "he who has curly hair" in old norse, it was a no brainer that kåre would be the name of this period and my future flock prefix.

Prep -

After a trip to the local farming shop, I had picked up all I needed for when the ram comes. The main thing on the list was a raddle. These are harnesses that are put on the ram which have an interchangeable colour block leaving a mark on the ewe when he has 'done the deed'. These blocks are changed every now and then to gauge when the ewes have been impregnated providing a good idea of when the lambs are coming.

This morning we got the girls in to check them over and trim their rumps ready for 'Junior' to come later in the day. Once checked over, we got them out into the chosen field where they are separate from the other sheep/animals in order to prevent the ram from mating with the others as i don't want to be lambing the whole flock! The trimming of their rumps is known as "crutching". This process was recommended in a book 'Practical Sheep Keeping' as well as in a post on the Sheep Farmers UK forum on facebook as it will prevent fly strike around that area and prevent possible infections to the ram. As well as this, when the time comes, it makes the lambing process more visible.

The arrival -

With the help from a farm in Ludlow, 'Junior' the ram arrived late afternoon raring to go! After fitting the harness and doing the paper work, we sent him out into the enticing world of my three pretty girls and their 2 Jacob pals. After a few minutes Junior was already trying to have a go so I doubt we'll have any problems with his actions! More fun to come soon!