[Jacob-list] loupy

[Lasell J. Bartlett]

On Nov 23, 2009, at 7:25 AM, Linda wrote:


> In a wild flock, is the ram that kills or disables the other rams  

> the most primitive? I don't know the answer to that - interested in  

> hearing opinions.

> The thing about Jacobs, imho, is that they are adaptable and that  

> means that they are suitable for different management techniques  

> and husbandry practices.

> I love the individual personalities of my flock and that does  

> include the ones that are "dumb" enough to be halter broken as well  

> as the ones that are too "loupy".



I think of it in terms of survival instinct. Some ewes and rams have  
a stronger survival instinct. Could be the same as the "primitive"  
quality being discussed.

And perhaps, if the request to be led by halter or to be confined is  
coupled with some amount of trust and understanding rather than  
forced upon the sheep, the sheep is smart enough to learn as long as  
survival instinct is not triggered. I think when the survival  
instinct is triggered, it's the same chemicals and reactions that all  
mammals have, that of cortisol coursing through the bloodstream, and  
when it gets to that, the thinking brain is simply not available.

I have brought what I've learned from handling horses to our sheep.  
My husband was reluctant to follow my suggestions for awhile but now  
that he sees time and time again that when we behave in ways that are  
clearly directing the sheep, helping them stay in a learning frame of  
mind (curious, relatively quiet, etc.) and keep ourselves calm and  
patient, the sheep can quite easily figure out what we want from  
them. Taking the time it takes for the sheep to understand what is  
wanted seems to take longer, but in fact is the short cut. No hurry,  
no fuss, calm sheep doing what we want them to do.

So I like smart sheep, too, and I see no contradiction between smart  
sheep and sheep that can learn to be handled and led. *Not* the same  
as 'OK with being forced'.

My two cents. <g>

Lasell J Bartlett MSW
Fine Fettle Farm Jacobs, in VT

"It's our nature to get along."