Fw: Re: [Jacob-list] Nice rams

[Susan J Martin]

Each shepherd must take the time to get to know his/her sheep - our ram
also like yours, Melanie, is a teddy bear.  However, I never forget he is
a ram - when I am in with him I make sure I know where he is at all times
and I watch his body language, just in case he has a change of heart.  He
seems to adore me, but when I was training my daughter to care for the
sheep on one of our "away" weekends, he did charge her and fortunately
she had a sheep cane with her and faced him off.  It appears he considers
me part of his "family" and anyone else is an intruder.  He is five years
old - is extremely gentle with the lambs, and loves to be scratched and
petted, nibbling on my collar and nuzzling my face - however, keep in
mind as he is nuzzling and nibbling I am keeping an eye on things,  as I
know if his face is turned upward he can't effectively butt me.   I know
it is not advisable to make a pet of a male breeding animal - Samuel is a
pet to me, but I simply don't take chances --  if he seems to be in a
flighty, "full of it" sort of mood, we don't engage in any nibbling and
nuzzling!!!  Also, I do know the breeder I bought him from breeds for
gentle and mellow animals - in addition for nice fleece - and Sammy has
both!    It will be a sad day here when we replace him, as it appears a
kind and gentle ram is not the norm, and I certainly wouldn't encourage
others to relate to their rams based on my situation, as it could be
deadly.

Sue Martin
Stonecroft Manor

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