Rams are powerful and intelligent animals who deserve both respect and careful management. A good ram can be a tremendous asset, adding strength and genetic balance to your flock for years to come. But earning and maintaining his respect is key. Clear boundaries, consistent handling, and thoughtful facilities are the foundation for working safely with these strong-willed animals.
Just as we prepare our ewes for the demands of lambing season, our rams also deserve intentional care. Their nutritional needs are often overlooked, but they are just as vital to flock health as the ewes. I make sure our rams have constant access to minerals and kelp, and they’re fed good-quality grass hay with a little bump of alfalfa during the cold winter months. Twice a year, I give them the same 5-in-1 mineral bolus that the ewes receive. Although their season of performance is shorter, they still need the right nutrients to maintain optimal health and condition. After all, they’re helping to shape the next generation of sheep.
Respect, structure, and good nutrition together create a foundation for success. A ram in good condition, managed with consistency and care, is not just a breeding tool — he’s a partner in the stewardship of your flock.
Rams play an indispensable role in any flock—but they require much more than simply being “set loose.” Over the years raising Icelandic sheep here at Blooming Joy Farm, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the balance between respect, structure, and safety when it comes to managing rams. They are magnificent animals—strong, intelligent, and full of character—but they also demand clear leadership and mindful handling.
1. Begin Early and Set Boundaries
Good ram manners begin long before breeding season. From an early age—before the ram lamb reaches six to eight months—it’s important to set firm but fair boundaries.
Avoid petting the lamb’s head or encouraging “playful” butting or jumping. These small habits can grow into dangerous behaviors once that little lamb becomes a 200-pound ram with horns built for impact. I always remind myself: a friendly lamb doesn’t need to be a pushy one. Respectful distance builds a foundation for safety later on.
We’ve raised a few rams over the years, each with their own distinct personality. Our very first Icelandic ram, Tripp, was a true gentleman—steady, respectful, and wonderfully attentive to his ewes. He had a particular fondness for one ewe in the flock, and the two were almost inseparable. Even when it wasn’t breeding season, I’d often see them grazing side by side or resting close together in the pasture, quietly chewing their cud. Sheep are herd animals through and through, and it always warms my heart to see how they form little friendships within the flock.
2. Temperament, Genetics, and Suitability
Temperament in rams is both inherited and shaped by experience. Some lines are naturally calmer than others, while human interaction can either reinforce good behavior or encourage the opposite. I’ve found that gentle, consistent handling paired with good genetics produces rams that are confident yet respectful—an ideal balance for any shepherd.
From the very beginning of raising sheep, I made a firm rule on our farm: a ram only gets one chance. If he ever shows the slightest sign of aggression toward a person, he is promptly and safely removed from our farm. Thankfully, I’ve never had to exercise that rule, but it’s one that sets the tone for everything we do.
Right from birth, I watch our ram lambs carefully—taking note of their behavior, how they interact with their mothers, and their overall disposition. Every Blooming Joy ram must be a gentleman before leaving our farm to help start a new flock elsewhere. That expectation begins in the lambing pen and continues all the way to adulthood.
Not every ram is meant to be a flock sire. If he breaks fences, is overly rough with lambs or ewes, or shows aggression toward humans, it’s time to make a hard but necessary decision. Keeping a dangerous ram puts both you and your flock at risk—but the good ones, the true gentlemen, make all the difference.
Another favorite of mine, Chance, was a ram whose story came full circle. He was born on a friend’s farm and raised as a bottle lamb. For a couple of weeks, while I was helping care for that farm, Chance came along with me to work—at a school! Every recess, a flood of excited elementary students would run over to see if the little lamb could come play. Chance became the playground celebrity, trotting along beside the children with his soft baa echoing between the swings and slide. Years later, by a twist of fate, Chance returned to me when I was looking to swap rams. He became our lead breeding ram for three years, producing beautiful lambs and an incredible charcoal-grey fleece that I treasured each spring. Despite being a bottle baby—a situation that can sometimes lead to pushy behavior—Chance never lost his sweet, steady temperament. He was one of the special ones.
3. Provide the Right Environment and Social Structure
A calm ram is usually one whose environment supports him. Rams need space and a sense of order. Overly tight quarters can cause frustration and bad habits. Give him a reliable companion—another ram, a wether, or even ewes when the season allows—and always feed across a fence for safety. Rams thrive when their social structure feels predictable and secure.
Just like Tripp choosing his favorite ewe, I’ve noticed that when rams have proper companionship and clear routines, they stay relaxed and easy to manage. Isolation or constant changes in environment, on the other hand, can make them anxious or reactive.
4. Safe, Consistent Handling
When it comes time to handle your ram, calm consistency goes much further than force. Train him to come at your voice or a specific call, and if you pet him, lift his chin and stroke under his jaw or along his neck—never the top of the head. Always remain aware of your surroundings and his body language. Even the gentlest ram deserves your full attention.
As shepherdesses of Icelandic sheep, we’re not just breeding for function—we’re cultivating relationships built on trust and respect. Our rams remind us daily of the importance of clear leadership and calm confidence. When we set boundaries early, handle them consistently, and provide the right environment, we create the foundation for a safe and productive flock.
