When I posted my last reply the other comments had not loaded about the danger of rams! I heartily agree. I've been knocked on my butt more than once by turning my back on the ram. Fortunately at that time he was a small Finn only weighing about 150lbs but it could have been much more dangerous had he been bigger. For the breeding program I changed my ram frequently adding new blood into the herd and creating crossbreed ewes and lambs that were better suited to the market. We ended with a HUGE Suffolk ram that stood about 4ft. at the back - it was a scary proposition to restrain him to put on a breeding marking harness etc. or give him a shot. Fortunately, he was not as feisty as some of our smaller rams had been but I NEVER turned my back on him. It is the same with young male lambs - they are friendly and curious and will come up to you, but if you get into the habit of petting or cuddling them you will be in a heap of trouble as they mature. It is just the nature of the male animal and you mustn't take it lightly. Even as babies the males head butt each other in play - that's just a prelude to their adult nature later on. If you are only interested in keeping your pasture cut then by all means get ewes and you won't have the hassle of an angry ram or need to assist in birthings etc. I used to put dog collars w/bells on each one and we named all of our ewes (but not the lambs who were headed for market). It was lovely to see them (and hear the bells tinkling) in the field day or night.
