Sheep have a bad rap for being dumb and impersonal, but if that is how they are treated, then what more can they be? I have dumb and impersonal sheep. The Dorset ewe was from a large commercial flock and all the handling was done in metal systems. The only contact the sheep had with humans was traumatic when they were jabbed with needles, or tipped upside down and had their hooves trimmed, or when their heads were twisted backwards to get them to lie down to be sheared. No wonder she runs when she sees me. I might be able to tame her over time, but I do not have the desire. It would take so much effort because she is totally untrusting and wild. She has taught her ram lamb to be the same way, because that is all she knew. When he is separated at the end of this month, for weaning, I will begin to try to work with him. If he is to be a breeding ram, he will need to be much calmer and even halter trained. His other fate is to be meat for the table.
But sheep are not dumb or impersonal. I sold two sheep, a wether and a ewe lamb, to a family near by. These sheep were specifically chosen for their gentle trusting natures. The male wether, Morgan, was rejected at birth by his mother, who liked his sister and not him, so he was bottle fed. Morgan completely trusted humans then and loved me as he would have his mother. I spent time with him, stroked his back, rubbed his ears and spoke kindly. Louise followed Morgan's direction, though her nature was sweet and she was cautious, but not scared. In a short time, she was curious about the humans, since Morgan was absolutely comfortable, and soon she, too, became one of the family.
They allowed the sheep in the house for very brief periods, and when they go out for a walk, the sheep come with them. In these recent photos, the family is enjoying the campfire and the sheep are just there as part of the family. The family has young children and a baby and all are thrilled to have sheep as pets. Wouldn't you love to have two wooly little companions too?
But sheep are not dumb or impersonal. I sold two sheep, a wether and a ewe lamb, to a family near by. These sheep were specifically chosen for their gentle trusting natures. The male wether, Morgan, was rejected at birth by his mother, who liked his sister and not him, so he was bottle fed. Morgan completely trusted humans then and loved me as he would have his mother. I spent time with him, stroked his back, rubbed his ears and spoke kindly. Louise followed Morgan's direction, though her nature was sweet and she was cautious, but not scared. In a short time, she was curious about the humans, since Morgan was absolutely comfortable, and soon she, too, became one of the family.
They allowed the sheep in the house for very brief periods, and when they go out for a walk, the sheep come with them. In these recent photos, the family is enjoying the campfire and the sheep are just there as part of the family. The family has young children and a baby and all are thrilled to have sheep as pets. Wouldn't you love to have two wooly little companions too?
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