Pedigree Romneys Flock No. 565

Establishing Our Flock

When we created the Petham Flock in 2004 we felt that we would only benefit by applying the same strict rules and criteria that would be set, and expected, by the commercial sheep farmer. We would see no favours in the market place and have no second chances. So our philosophy is to enforce the highest possible standards in order to produce and end product of fertile, hard working breeding rams that are reliable and offer value for money to the buyer. By applying the same commercial pressures to our flock that are demanded within the industry we have seen a fairly high turnover in our initial stock. However this has quickly produced dividends with all animals now sound of feet and needing little to no assistance at lambing. We will continue this policy indefinately to ensure our flock is always of the best quality.

Our System

The tups (rams) go in with the ewes on the traditional date of 5th November in order for them to lamb on or after 1st April. The ewes over-winter on established grass pasture. As the nutritional value of the grsss drops we allow ad-lib access to good quality hayledge. We also introduce high protein mineral and feed suppliments in bucket licks. Consumption is low in early gestation but this steadily increases as lambing time approaches. We have found this is not only an easier option for us regarding man hours but it also removes stress the sheep experiance during feeding time. We have also found by removing solid feed there is a dramatic decrease in oversized lambs at lambing resulting in very little requirement for assistance during lambing. There is no marked decline in the milkyness of the eyes post lambing. All ewes lamb outside as it allows continued access to fresh grass but it is also a commercial requirement that more and more sheep farmers accept as the norm. Once lambed the ewe and lambs come under cover for 24 hours or so. As long as all is well they are returned to clean pasture. The lambs are weighed at birth and then every 3 weeks thereafter until weaning at 16 weeks. Any lambs that don't make a certian weight gain at the right rate over this period will not be kept for future breeding. Any that shows signs of future poor health potential and parasitic suseptability are also discarded from the flock. A three year rotation or drench is use for internal paracites and foot problems are pre-empted by regular foot trimming in a normal fashion across the year. With our strict quality control policy this will decrease over time. In January we vaccinate the whole flock with Heptevec P plus. Any animals that show signs of more than normal parasite suseptability, lamness or general poor health are discarded from the flock. This system allows us to rapidly advance the quality of our expanding flock.

A Family Concern We encourage our children to be fully involved with the flock. Whether helping out at lambing time or with the daily ‘looking’ we like them to take part. By seeing how to care for animals through the full cycle of life they have, we believe, a greater understanding of the world around them. They love the fresh air and mud too!