We added a new ram to the flerd. He is named ‘Mister’; not by us, but by the family from which we purchased him. Due to his inquiring mind, I quickly renamed him Curious George.
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| Curious George watching Cricket with interest! |
Curious George is a Katahdin. Of our current rams, Winky is also Katahdin. Blinky and Nod are Dorpers.
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| Curious George (back) and Winky (front) |
Our current flerd is Katahdin-Dorper, but we want to lean heavier on the Katahdin breed.
Why?
During the past year, our first year in the sheep business, we have learned a lot about sheep.
Our management policy includes favoring livestock that are less prone to disease and parasites while maintaining good condition and health without the addition of hormones and antibiotics; thus, less maintenance and a quality flerd.
We have determined that the Katahdin breed of hair sheep fits that management the best. They shed their winter coats easily which keeps the sheep comfortable during the summer. They are less apt to develop extreme hoof growth reducing the amount of hoof trimming required. They are immune to worm infestations (sheep are very susceptible to worms and die quickly once acquiring them); maintaining their health and vigor without the use of any medication. Note: Our pasture management utilizing daily rotation is another effective way to keep the worm infestation to a minimum, but some sheep are just predisposed to the parasites.
The Katahdin negative is that they do not develop as much muscle/meat as the Dorper; they are a leaner breed.
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| Glenn just calls him George. |
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| Curious George loves a good scratching! |
Therefore, Blinky and Nod are for sale (sorry guys) and Winky and Curious George will be our flock rams for the moment.
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