Hi there, Im new to this forum. I am just starting out and am wanting some advice. I am wanting to buy possible 40 ewes this year but don't know which kind to go for. I am keen on the mule so do I go for North country, beulah or even texel cross mules? Which breed do people recommend? The sheep would be kept on lowland ground in Shropshire. Any help much appreciated.

 Lambing indoors ?

No most probable out doors

 Any type of mule will make excellent ewes. What you have to remember though is that mules are the sheep equivalent of a high yielding holstein dairy cow. They only perform well if you look after them well. Also they will only last about 3 to 4 seasons realistically.

As for lambing mules outdoors you will have to be careful about which tup you use as the lambs may not be very hardy. It's a job to balance hardiness with performance. i.e. a texel x lamb will be hardier than a charolais x but texels tend to need more assistance at lambing.

We have stopped keeping mules now as they are very high maintenance. We now have easycares which are virtually trouble free, though not quite as productive. Well worth a try in my opinion.

Ok thanks for that. I don't know anything about them so I will have a look into them. What sort of money would I be looking at paying for some good ewes? Also what ram would you put over them to get some good fat lambs?

 Easycare ewes will cost you from say £70 for aged ewes to £130 for strong 2/3 yr olds. Ewe lambs about the £100 mark.

Best terminal sire I'd say is Charolais if lambing inside and Texel or Beltex if lambing outdoors. You could breed them pure though as there's strong demand for ewe lambs.