Information Sheep processing

Raising your own and being self sufficient.
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Warning: This thread may contain subjects that are disturbing to some (including processing instructions, predator control methods etc.). If you do not wish to read about these topics do not open them. Overt criticism of these practices, which are required for self-sufficiency, crop and livestock protection will not be tolerated. Any discussion pertaining to infringement on animal rights in a radical manner will result in banning from PTO at the moderator’s discretion.
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Killerbunny
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Sheep processing

Post by Killerbunny » Fri Jan 16, 2026 3:33 pm

SO in the spring DH decided we should get a couple of lambs to keep the grass down. Picked up 2 hard weaned ram lambsfrom a lady we know who had loads of triplets. These were a meat breed, Ile de France x Southdown. We had never done this before but they had lovely pasture once we got them used to it and some lamb ration. Hay too when the grass got drier. We honestly didn't like them very much, pleasant enough but I really couldn't get to like them like birds and we found them a bit dim. Quite friendly but bouncy and sneaky. Get you in the butt for a laugh. We had to keep them away from the bird rations as it can really upset them. They did thir job and kept the grass down well. So slaughter day was 29th Dec, the day of the ice storm here. Transporter finally managed to get here and they loaded like a dream. When we got the call to collect the meat the abattoir owner said what a pleasure it was to get such good sized , well conditioned animals so easy to handle. SHe said most of the ones they get are from 20 - 45lbs hanging. These were 99lb & 100lb and after cutting 150lb of the BEST LAMB I HAVE EVER TASTED! Totally worth it but we won't be doing again as it's too much trouble for old farts like us. We had to get the transporter because in November when we were waiting to turn an old lady hit us at 80kph! and totalled our van. We both got some nasty injuries and I got concussion so I was doolally for a few weeks. Paramedics said if we hadn't been so fit we wouldn't have walked away. Who knew that coming home from swimming could be dangerous.
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lolotsung
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Re: Sheep processing

Post by lolotsung » Wed Feb 25, 2026 3:56 pm

I had a visual of a ram running across a field. :rofl: 20 - 45 lbs seems so small. Otis is 70 lbs. The sheep I see seem to be much bigger than Otis.

Last Dec a person with a suspended license rearended our truck and it was totalled. Last month a lady ran a red light and hit my car. I think that on top of all the devices distracting people, they don't have their mind focused on driving. It's a HUGE problem. I heard on the radio (study by insurance companies) that self driving cars will reduce accidents by 88% (this does not include substance abuse and sleepy drivers). While at the accident reporting center, half the people said they hit a parked car. I don't care about the cost of car. I would like stay alive with no serious injuries! Glad you and DH are OK!!
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