Looking for a mule breeder.

[2YardOfLard]

I'm looking for a regular supply of very small numbers of traditional Scotch Mules.

I'd like to hear from producers who may have what I need, or from buyers who recommend someone. (Or if you don't recommend someone, I will keep any messages 100% confidential.)

The easiest way to explain what I'm looking for is to describe what I had (& just lost). I have a small croft in the back of beyond. I have been buying mule ewe lambs direct from a farm. They're ones that he knows were twins. He is careful about keeping replacements in his foundation herd of Blackfaces, so he knows their performance & he's not only breeding for appearance in the sale ring. Hygiene, vaccines etc are good. We got to know each other over nearly 20 years, so he knows what I like & I give him feedback on how they do. I met him in or near Oban when he passes through, delivering elsewhere. ....and unfortunately some very difficult personal circumstances mean he is giving up.

So that's roughly what I need - where would you look?
Thanks.

 

[scottish-lleyn]

Buy some of his blackies and one of his bluehead tups. Problem solved

 

[2YardOfLard]

Buy some of his blackies and one of his bluehead tups. Problem solved

Thanks for replying.
Unfortunately I've not got the space for 2 flocks.

 

[Man_in_black]

At least for one more generation can you not find who flock is being dispersed to? Speak with him, see if he can continue what you getting now?

 

[Skintagain]

You could Buy the blackies and run a few less mules. You may go all to blackies and find a good customer yourself - might be more money in the job

 

[Nithsdale]

You could Buy the blackies and run a few less mules. You may go all to blackies and find a good customer yourself - might be more money in the job

The key is "small numbers" and "small croft".

He won't have scope to do anything like that.

 

[Skintagain]

He runs the mules so why not the blackies instead on the same scale? Would be easier kept at ‘back of beyond’ IMO. Could suit the system more so than the mules.

 

[Nithsdale]

He runs the mules so why not the blackies instead on the same scale? Would be easier kept at ‘back of beyond’ IMO. Could suit the system more so than the mules.

Aye, he could switch over - but he won't have the scope to run 2 groups of ewes like you suggested

 

[Ysgythan]

Is Lanark too far?

 

[2YardOfLard]

Is Lanark too far?

Not necessarily, no.

 

[M-J-G]

He runs the mules so why not the blackies instead on the same scale? Would be easier kept at ‘back of beyond’ IMO. Could suit the system more so than the mules.

The other problem is, where to get good Blackie replacements.............

Switching to Blackies doesn't solve the buying in problem.

 

[Ysgythan]

We stay with the Coughboroughs when we’re up there. Seems an impressive operator. @2YardOfLard

 

[2YardOfLard]

We stay with the Coughboroughs when we’re up there. Seems an impressive operator. @2YardOfLard

Thanks, I'll take a look at them.

 

[AftonShepherd]

We stay with the Coughboroughs when we’re up there. Seems an impressive operator. @2YardOfLard

And tall!

 

[Top Tip.]

There are a good number of mule breeders in the north of Scotland producing mule lambs to very high health standards under the banner of Highland Mule Breeders well worth a look.

 

[2YardOfLard]

There are a good number of mule breeders in the north of Scotland producing mule lambs to very high health standards under the banner of Highland Mule Breeders well worth a look.

Thank you.