Thinking about raising Sheep for meat

Silkie Sue · Post by **Silkie Sue** » Wed Jun 01, 2016 6:51 pm

Ok, so the horses are gone... the goats are gone.....
i have 3 llamas with nothing to do and 7 acres to do it in
this is kinda hard for me because i turn every creature into a pet, but i have decided to try to change my ways and become a Real Farmer.
my pasture is mostly going to waste because 3 llamas cannot even begin to put a dent in it and i am overdue for bushhogging it this year, trying to come up with a new plan.... i have people interested in buying lamb/sheep from me because they know there meat would come from a healthy and loving environment. Problem is... i know absolutely nothing about sheep except they cannot have Copper and they are cute as heck. Anyone have any helpful advice where i can start from or any references that would be to my benefit would be greatly appreciated
thanks for listening
Sue

coonhound · Post by **coonhound** » Wed Jun 01, 2016 7:03 pm

Stoney guide to raising sheep is a great guide and feel free to ask any question i should be able to answer them

Post by **Killerbunny** » Wed Jun 01, 2016 7:08 pm

Yum!!! Good luck.

Silkie Sue · Post by **Silkie Sue** » Wed Jun 01, 2016 7:11 pm

Thanks Chris and K.B, let's start with what breed is best and probably the uglier the better lol

coonhound · Post by **coonhound** » Wed Jun 01, 2016 7:20 pm

Do u want wool breed or hair? breed that have twins or singles or ones that have triplets or more? purebred or crossbred?

Silkie Sue · Post by **Silkie Sue** » Wed Jun 01, 2016 7:28 pm

i was thinking more of buy lambs in the spring and butcher in the fall

coonhound · Post by **coonhound** » Wed Jun 01, 2016 7:52 pm

suffolk or suffolk cross grow quick and there pack on the weight north county chevits, texel, charlois other great meat breeds

Ontario Chick · Post by **Ontario Chick** » Wed Jun 01, 2016 7:53 pm

Silkie Sue wrote:QR_BBPOST i was thinking more of buy lambs in the spring and butcher in the fall

Sounds like a sensible plan, how easy is it to buy lambs in the spring?

coonhound · Post by **coonhound** » Wed Jun 01, 2016 7:55 pm

There usually at there highest price at easter but lately have being staying strong prices throughout the year

Silkie Sue · Post by **Silkie Sue** » Wed Jun 01, 2016 8:00 pm

what is a price i would be looking at? i was thinking 10 or 15 lambs .... would it be better to hit an auction?