[Sassy]

Orphan lambs would be a good way to start. You also then have better 'trained' animals which will make handling easier. Many farmers are happy to have them taken off their hands, however, it is good to pay a tenner for them. Also take them on the understanding they will help you if you have a problem. This is the best idea as you will need to buy  equipment such as ear taggers otherwise - before you have decided this is definitely the road to go down.

I don't think a ram with 3/4 sheep is going to be workable - not enough to keep him busy and you do not have enough land to keep him separate at other times.

Some farm vets and agricultural colleges do training days which are very good.

I took orphan lambs the first time to ensure I could send them for meat when the time was right! I did it but only because I did not get too close to them and spent the whole time determined they were going.  Even then I nearly kept one!!

[nuzuki]

Thanks for the replies, I have a meeting with the sheep lady this weekend and she is goign to run through the options with me. Lamb and ram or lambs at foot seems to be what i'll go with. The lambs were £35 and the ewes were £100 each. I'll keep you updated as to how it goes

[matty0282]

hello were from lincolnshire and getting some land soon,could anyone please give me details of were we can
buy some sheep piglet and chickens and ducks please,it will be in 2-3 weeks
thank you

[Kate and her Ducks]

Almost impossible to answer even if I knew Lincolnshire! Depends entirely on what you want.

Chickens - Ex Batt, hybrid, pure breed? Layers or meat? What do you want them for?
Pretty much all the same applies to the other animals you mentioned. Decide what you want and then you can start looking around for them.

Good luck on your adventure but I would advise not started with all of them at once if you are new to them. Each species has its own needs and demands on your time and it is really easy to take on too much, trust me, I know!

[John]

We've a good list of poultry breeders on the site
http://www.chickens.allotment-garden.org/poultry-suppliers/poultry-for-sale-Lincolnshire.php
Often these are farmers who stock other animals or know where to get them from
As Kate says - don't try to do everything at once unless you really know what you're doing. Even then, get one animal housed / fenced properly before taking on another.