Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Camera Shy

 "Here she comes again with that camera thingamajig....don't look directly at it.'
 "Why?"
 "I don't know, just don't!  Go on turn your backs on her...no one look at her!"


 
"I just  looked at the camera and...
 ...oh boy it just made a noise, I am out of here!"
"Us too!"
 "Okay just walk quietly away and she will get tired of trying to take our picture."
If that is what the lambs were thinking, they were right.  I gave up.  I really have some nice looking lambs again this year.  Watch them grow and let me know if you see anything you would like to add to your flock.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

UK, AI, F1, F2...what does that mean?

Well most established Shetland breeders know what these mean, but new or potential flock owners let me take a minute to explain.

UK - yes just as you would think - it stands for United Kingdom, or in this case sheep that have UK blood in recent generations.  Shetland importation occurred in the 80's and any new UK genetics have been added over the years through the use of AI (Artificial Insemination) from a few select UK sires.   F1 means that the animal is the product of the AI and is first generation here in North America.  F2, second generation, the offspring of the F1 animal.  F3 is the third generation and so forth.   I have found the UK genetics have influenced my flock in many positive ways, especially in terms so fleece quality, improving fineness and crimp. I have used two F1 rams over the last 3 years,  F1 Heights Orion the two years previous, and F1 Drum Jings this year as well as F2 Heights Orion.  I have F1, F2, and F3 rams for sale.  These rams are a great and easy way to add UK genetics to you flock, without expense and complication of trying to do AI yourself.  I am selling all rams this year as I am going to take a lambing break this coming year.  I might breed only a few or a few cross breeds for market lambs, or take the year off altogether.  I know I have said that in the past but this year I might just have the will power to do it.  Please help me find these handsome rams a good breeding home.   Inquire if interested or spread the word...all reasonable offers considered.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Growing Lambs - For Sale

I will be working on my sales page shortly.  But here is a preview of some lambs that will be available after weaning. 






I used three sires for this ram crop, with horned genetics I used an  F1 Drum Jings and an F2 Heights Orion, and a half poll Gulmoget.  I have 6 ram lambs for sale, 5 yearling rams, most of the ewe lambs, and possibly a few adult ewes.  As always flock started packages are available.  Inquire if you are interested and I will work on my pages this week. Although there is a lot of white in this lamb crop, I expect most to carry spots and colors under their white.  Great opportunity to add UK genetics into your flock.  Many of my F2 Drum Jings are not closely related to my F2 Heights Orions, so I can put together nice breeding pairs as well.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013