Starting a hill flock

If u could source good stock within the existing or nearby commonages, that will make things easier in terms of hefting etc.

DJ98 wrote: »

Looking at setting up a flock of hill ewes this year. I have access to a commomage and want to put this to use. My plan was to buy 40-50 mayo blackface or cheviot ewe lambs in late summer early autumn from the west. Anyone think this is a good idea or am I mad to start giving myself that hardship? What things should I keep in mind/look out for? Any advice appreciated.

I farm commonages with hill ewes myself. A lot depends in the ground to be honest with you, as regards what to go for. There is variation in the type of mayo ewes also, some are bred to suit different types of land etc. Where I am, nobody keeps cheviots as they dont seem to be able to stick it on the hills, but it might be different elsewhere.
If it was me Id be looking at some mayo ewes to start with. They are probably the cheapest option of cheviots/lanarks/perths etc, and will probably last the longest also. You can always try others when you get established and settled down.
Hefting them to an area is best done when there is grass on the hills, so from now on really. They will be happier to stay where you put them if there is something to eat. It isnt a hard job to get them to stay if you have covered your bases. A bigger problem can be the lad next to you who mightnt want you landing in beside him on a commonage, but they will generally get over it if you are persistent.

DJ98 wrote: »

My biggest concern about the whole thing I suppose would be finding my patch as such. How do you know where to begin? Don't want any falling outs with those already on it for the past number of years

Well if you own a share then you are as entitled as anyone else to be there first and foremost. Picking a place is worth putting some thought into though. Not being jam-packed with stock already would be the first step. Next, the more of it can be accessed by jeep or quad the better, saves a lot of time. Obviously dangerous areas or areas that would make it difficult to gather animals are things to avoid. Re falling out with a neighbour, if you are reasonable and fair then you should be ok. No harm to buy an odd breeding ram/ ram lamb off them also now and again, just to keep things on good terms.

Have you access to the hill from inside land, continue feeding meal and move to access point on the hill and then just out on the hill for a few days and then back in to inside land to get them use to coming back to that place and feed a bit of hay or silage around that area, also mark well with your brand and tell the other hill men about your brand and learn their brand. Will help when gathering sheep in.