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Lots of things to think about, and yes always RESPECT rams. Experienced grown men have been killed by them, had their spine broken, with just a few moments lapse in attention. Although my big Katahdin rams were generally "gentlemanly" I still carried a stick when I went into the enclosure. Shin-taps worked well to make sure he didn't think I was engaging him in rough-housing and make sure he gives way to me when needed. Not enough to damage him, but it was annoying enough that he'd move away. And avoided needing to mess with his head in any way that invites butting. Even when my big boys accidentally got in with my cycling ewes a bit too early, I could still walk in, halter him, and walk him away. He dug in his heels a bit but would give in and come with me. He was NOT a pushover with strangers, or young dogs. He put himself in between his ewes and possible threats, but without becoming overly assertive unnecessarily. He was also very patient with lambs and often got to stay with my weaning groups.
I remember one time I walked into the enclosure without a dog or a stick to change the water bucket "real quick", thinking he was far away and busy grazing, I looked up to see him head lowered, backing up and stomping. It was the most terrifying moment I have ever had with sheep, lol. I could not reach a fenceline before he got to me. He was about 275lbs. I stood still and just waited. After a moment of it he pranced off to the side, spun in a few circles, tossed his head, and went back to grazing. Just a silly spring fever playful moment, thank goodness. But I never forgot my stick (or an adult dog) again lol.
As far as breeding... If I were selling lambs I don't think I'd use a dangerous ram for breeding. If I knew for sure they'd all be terminal freezer lambs for myself then it's less an issue.
But I wouldn't want someone with kids or not enough experience getting saddled with a ram that wasn't handleable. I raised three full generations of my line of rams over about 8 years, and they all had a similar steady temperament.
I remember one time I walked into the enclosure without a dog or a stick to change the water bucket "real quick", thinking he was far away and busy grazing, I looked up to see him head lowered, backing up and stomping. It was the most terrifying moment I have ever had with sheep, lol. I could not reach a fenceline before he got to me. He was about 275lbs. I stood still and just waited. After a moment of it he pranced off to the side, spun in a few circles, tossed his head, and went back to grazing. Just a silly spring fever playful moment, thank goodness. But I never forgot my stick (or an adult dog) again lol.
As far as breeding... If I were selling lambs I don't think I'd use a dangerous ram for breeding. If I knew for sure they'd all be terminal freezer lambs for myself then it's less an issue.
But I wouldn't want someone with kids or not enough experience getting saddled with a ram that wasn't handleable. I raised three full generations of my line of rams over about 8 years, and they all had a similar steady temperament.
