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What To Look For When Buying A Ram
Buying a ram is something that should not be done lightly; there are certain things you need to look for.
The most important thing is his testicles. Many buyers (and sellers) overlook this completely, but it is important that a ram to be used for breeding has two testicles, and that they are well developed. Rams with just one testicle, called cryptorchidism, should never be used for breeding. Cryptorchid rams should be culled as this condition is hereditary.
Horns are very important. The horns of an adult ram should clear his face by at least an inch or two, the more the better. Sheep chew from side to side, and horns that grow close to the face will hamper his health. See our Horns page for more information about this subject.
Please note that many farms use the term "cull" as in "getting rid of undesirable animals by whatever means; butchering if they have to, but selling them if they can find an unsuspecting buyer." Here at Greener Pastures Farm we don't sell our culls; we eat them. If all breeders were this conscientious, there wouldn't be so many problem livestock pervading the marketplace and gene pool, or new farmers unhappy with their new "breeding stock."
