Farm Vlog #3 (Sheep Farm)

The biggest issue that we have to the sheep farm is that the rams become too friendly. It starts when they are young and are played with too much while not being taught to have good manners. This means people touch the tops of their heads or allow them to misbehave when haltered or worked within their pasture. It's all cute when they are little and only 40 lb, but once they grow up and the testosterone kicks in, they become very dangerous. It's very important to never touch a ram on its head to play. They will learn to ram you and could potentially hit you so hard, they kill you.

Now let's step back, not all rams are aggressive. The Southdown rams are very relaxed and willing animals because they are a calmer breed. Meanwhile the Lincoln rams, if handled properly, can be very nice. Yet, if the Lincolns are not worked with properly they can be very dangerous and will plow you over with no remorse. No matter what, never touch them on the head or turn your back to them. Always be alert and aware of the animals position and demeanor. Keep distance between you and the ram if it’s too aggressive over personal space. Most of all never turn them into a pet that gets to push you around and decide what you do. They are livestock and can be loved, but they are also large animals that can kill you. All of these things would encourage them to bite you and to be aggressive towards humans and each other. The next is to constantly be working with them and teaching them to behave. Walk and tie the sheep in order to teach them to be patient and be easier to work with.

If they happen to be aggressive it's important to know why the ram might be mean. First, look at the animals genealogy if you have it. Analyze its papers and know the people you bought it from. Many farmers are willing to talk to you about the animal’s history. If the animal has the mean gene it's time to decide if the sheep should be snipped or if it’s worth keeping to breed. If it is kept for breeding it’s important to make sure the pen is secure for both animals and humans. Make sure other farm help are aware of the ram’s behavior and are educated in how to handle it.

Let’s say you go to the auction house and the first animal that comes out is a beautiful black Lincoln. You bid until you win and take him home to his new herd of girls. You get him off the trailer and he runs to the other side of the pen. Over the next couple of days you aren't able to get near him and when he feels threatened, he runs at you. This animal likely hasn’t had a lot of human interaction and, therefore, is scared. If this happens it is important to stay aware when around this ram. It might be a good idea to start interacting with animals when there is a fence in between you and it. Work slow and gain the animal’s understanding and respect by being around it and eventually touching and haltering the animal.

It’s important to always be safe around rams and to keep up on their training. Never allow them to be pushy and aggressive toward you. For this article I made another farm vlog from the sheep farm. In this vlog I do sit on the sheep and play with them to show you what a well behaving and trained sheep looks like. They aren't aggressive or mean, in fact they love the attention we give them.