This is our new Shetland Ram (probably). Jack went to visit both him and one other today at the same smallholding we bought Jack-the-lad from last year. The other one is a grey katmoget (same as Jack-the-lad) whereas this chap, as you can see, is a plain black. We rather like the black and as it seems to be a dominant colour (according to the owners – experienced Shetland breeders for many years), we rather like the thought of lots of black lambs!!!
The red by the way is NOT blood, but a livestock crayon mark, made so we could easily spot this chap amongst the flock!! We have friends who are interested in doubling up and using our ram for their ewes so we will talk to them and see what they prefer.
This year’s lambs are all now between three and a half and four and a half months old and all doing really well – they are, on the whole, chunky lambs, especially the Badger Face X Shetlands from Mrs White and Mrs Brown. Of the 13 we have, we are looking to sell eight girls which will be ready to go In September so we will start to advertise them next month sometime. The four boys and Bressay’s adopted Suffolk Mule cross, are destined for the abattoir, although in the case of Muckle’s ram lamb (who we love for his looks as well as his character), that is going to be a hard call!!!