Ram Shields
Protect yourself and animals. Rams can injure each other during breeding season. The Ram Shield is so effective in subduing belligerent rams that it surprises first time “users” (both the ram and the shepherd).
Ram shields are used to block the ram’s forward vision—which prevents rams from charging humans or other rams. Side vision is not affected so the rams can still eat, graze, breed and drink. We use shields only as needed and remove them when the fight “urge” is over.
Horned shields fit over the horns.
Polled shields rely on the ears and head shape to hold its position.
Common Uses
Specs
Small—Cheviot, Finn, IceLandic, Katadin, Navajo Churro, Romanov and Shetland.
Large—Border Leicester, Columbia, Corriedale, Dorper, Dorset, Hampshire, Lincoln Longwool, Montadale, Polypay, Rambouillet, Romney, Southdown, Suffolk, Targhee, Texel and Tunis.
Dimensions | Back | Nose | Length | Eye Width | Horn Strap | Nose Strap | Ear Hole |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Horned, small | 7" | 5" | 5" | 12" | 5" | n/a | |
Horned, large | 9.25" | 7.5" | 8.5" | 11" | 9" | n/a | |
Polled, small | 5.75" | 5" | 10.5" | 8" | n/a | n/a | 10" |
Polled, large | 6.5" | 8" | 11" | 10.5" | n/a | n/a | 12.5" |
Note: Colors may vary.
How to Use
Horned Ram Shield:
- Lay ram shield against the ram's face.
- Thread top straps through loops on each side of shield.
- Fasten buckles around chin and around throat and pull straps very snug.
Polled Ram Shield:
- Thread top strap through loop on each side of shield, to form a space for the ram's ear to fit through.
- Place shield against the ram's face.
- Insert ears into spaces between straps.
- Fasten buckles around chin and around throat, and pull straps very snug.
Adjusting or modifying the shield: Getting a good fit is not always easy, because every ram's head is different. A shield can be adjusted and modified (see photos and instructions above) within limits. The depth that you cut will depend on how wide your particular ram's head is. (Remember: You want to block the forward vision, not the side vision. Start with small cuts, and then increase if the eyes are still blocked from the side.)
Our Premier Serrated Foot Trimmer and ARS Hoof Trimmer work well for cutting the leather. Remember: Start small with your cuts, and then increase if the eyes are still blocked from the side. You want to block the forward vision, not the side vision.
See instructions above for additional information.
Precautions
Listed below are recommended optional components or related items. Your particular situation may require alternative recommendations. Please call and talk to our consultants if there are any questions at 800-282-6631.
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Crooks
KiwiCrook™
Item #804334 -For catching sheep and/or goats by the neck or leg. Lightweight for quick handling.
$52.00 -
Crooks
Aluminum Tube RedCote™ Crook, 54 in.
Item #804326 -Used for grabbing animals as they are passing by or singling one out of a group. Handles well.
$28.00 -
Crooks
Sweet Chestnut Wooden Neck Crook
Item #804100 -Wooden neck crook preferred for herding dog trials. Light in hand. Nearly essential for herding sheep.
$44.00 -
Crooks
The "Premier" Fiberglass Crook
Item #804331 -An all-around good shepherd’s crook for handling sheep. Lightweight for quick handling.
$30.00 -
Crooks
Blue Leg Aluminum Crook
Item #803001 -Leg crooks are best for goats because goats prefer to face you--so if you wish to catch them in a pen, it works best to do so by snagging a front foot.
$28.00 -
Crooks
Aluminum Leg Crook (head only)
Item #803000 -An effective leg crook head (wooden or fiberglass shaft, not included) used for grabbing either the front or rear legs of sheep or goats.
$13.00
Write a Review
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Ruth W from Kentucky
I bought the size suggested for my breed. It was too big and would not stay on.
Ernie D from Tennessee
Ordered my first ram shield many years ago. They are worth the money for safety. Quality product.
Kim K from Virginia
Shipped fast right around Christmas and seems to be very well made. To be fair, I haven’t really put it to the test yet, but will update once I do. I have horned Icelandic rams and bought the large because so many reviews recommended a large for Icelandics. The width is perfect but way too long—covers the nostrils making it hard for him to breathe. Both the leather piece and the strap between the horns are too long (meaning that it sits low on his face to begin with). I called Premier to see about a return and they recommended keeping the large but trimming the length myself and reattaching the bottom strap, because the small would be too narrow and not do it’s job. I’ll update after I make the modifications and attempt to reintroduce my rams again.
One other thing I would note is be careful using this blinder with electric fencing. I put it on my ram and he panicked immediately (which I would expect suddenly having lost your forward vision), and ran repeatedly into the electronet getting shocked several times without being able to see or avoid the fence. It took a few minutes before I could catch up to him and remove the shield. I’m sure after they get over their initial panic they just get used to the shield, but while they’re all worked up it’s probably hard to sense the electric fence.
Nathan W from Illinois
Bought this for a full grown American blackbelly ram. The large one was too big so I bought the small one and it is slightly too small, it doesn’t cover his eyes. I had the ram in the head gate and tried adjusting the large one multiple ways but when you tighten up the bottom section which is to long it covers his nostril. Need an in-between size. Both time products were shipped quickly and arrived quickly. Very happy with shipping. Both size shields just don’t work for my particular ram.
Christian E from Illinois
Bought the small horned ram shield based on the Premier 1 size list. The shield does not begin to fit my very average sized Navajo Churro ram with two horns. Not sure who did the size chart but it is apparent they were either sizing for lambs or have no idea as to the size of Navajo Churro rams. With shipping costs and return refund policy it’s not even worth it to send it back or order the larger size.