[Jacob-list] not getting along

[Paintedrockfarm at aol.com]

Tom,
 
Introductions often cause a change in the "pecking order" within most  groups 
of animals and sheep are no exception.  The ramming, butting  and so forth 
allows them to re-re-establish who is boss and many will not  tolerate new 
comers without this show of force.  The one you may  see as causing the most 
problems is likely in the top 2 of the group, possibly  the boss, although I have 
seen the #2 sheep do more of the bullying when they  feel their secondary status 
may be threatened.  
 
We often pen new rams with our original ones for several days in a small  
enough pen where they can stand, turn and lie down but cannot get that running  
start that causes so much injury in the head butting.  We have done ewe  groups 
the same way with very good success.  They key is to make the space  as small 
as possible and you can even utilize hay bales, straw or other soft  objects 
to break up the open space.  Two or three days usually does the  trick.  Of 
course, you can allow them to work out their issues on their own  without 
intervention.
 
We have sheep from various farms within our flock.  I have  noticed that 
sheep raised together that come in from other farms tend to stick  together rather 
than mingle with the rest of the flock.  I have 2 ewes that  have been 
together since the youngest was a lamb and the older a yearling.   They are always 
together even after 14 years and rarely seek out company from  any sheep other 
than one another.  
 
Good luck and rest assured this is most likely just a temporary  transition 
for your sheep.  They will eventually reach  an understanding of who is boss, 
who is next in line and so forth.  No  worries! 
 
Mike  & Cheryl Terrano
_Painted  Rock Farm_ (http://members.aol.com/paintedrockfarm) 
Route 4 Box 726
Buckhannon, WV  26201-9205
(304) 457-6620 
_paintedrockfarm at aol.com_ (http://paintedrockfarm@aol.com/) 
Breeders of Registered Jacob Sheep & French Angora  Rabbits
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