Our Romney Flock

Establishing Our Flock

When we created the Petham Romney 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 & ewes 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 see a fairly high turnover in our stock. However this ensures 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

Although it is traditional to introduce the tups (rams) into the flock on 5th November in order for them to lamb on or after 1st April. We have brought this forward by a month to 5th October bring the lambing forward by a month. 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 again at 3 & 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 of drench is employed for internal paracites. the flock as a whole has very few foot problems and have found that pre-emptive foot trimming ensures the continuation of this across the year. With our strict quality control policy this foot trimming requirement has decreased over time. In January we vaccinate the whole flock with Heptevec P plus followed by Blue Tounge vaccine in the spring. 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!