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Four Fewer?

   I was able to sell four of my Shetlands, my two ram lambs from this spring, Martina and Alberta, a couple of my ewes. I hadn't planned on selling Alberta, and I had Martina listed for sale, but I really didn't need to sell either them. But, these were the two I was willing to let go. This leaves me with nine sheep, eight ewes and a ram... four fewer.
   Since I am selling Pete Moss, I will be breeding Davina to Tank. This will probably be the last lambing season I will keep Davina, I will most likely sell her after she lambs. She is getting up in age , and she isn't my finest fleeced ewe. She isn't old, but she is getting there. I have also entertained the idea of selling Tank after this coming spring. If I were to get a Gullie ewe from him out of Moss Rose, I would be more than happy to sell him. I would hope for a Gullie from Moss Rose, and not my other ewes, as she is my best fleeced mature ewe.
   It sure seems like I'm in a selling mood, does it not? The truth is I am trying to improve the fleece on my flock. Alberta has a good fleece, and so does Pete Moss, but I didn't like Alberta's looks and I don't need another ram. The two I probably need to sell is Velvet and Beauty, due to the fact they are double coated and that's not what I'm breeding for. But, I like them well enough I will keep them on, for now.
   I am been pondering over breeding Velvet this fall... just a thought. After Alberta leaves, I will only have three mature ewes, and I would like to have a fourth bred ewe, like I did last season.

   That's all for now!

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Hello all! This is my new blog! This blog will be dedicated to give you news about my Shetland herd. My goals as a Shetland breeder: (1) Ewes with good mothering instinct and produce enough milk for their young. (2) I want polled (unable to grow horns) rams and ewes in my flock. (3) Soft fleeces! This is a must! I like an intermediate and kindly fleece. I personally do not care for the double coated fleeces, but each to his own. (4) Eventually, I would like to get Shetlands with spotted fleeces. I find them very attractive! Who doesn't like spotted animals? (5) I  do not want my sheep to be BIG. Some people breed them up for the show ring, but I like them as the small breed they are. I hope you enjoy this blog!:)

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