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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Samuel S from Ohio
The small shield is too small for our Katahdin ram. He can see forward and can still but after his head is down by simply peaking.
Melissa B from Washington
This is our second shield; currently being used on a slightly larger ram. Other than running quite small (at least for our Scottish Blackface with a large horn base), the shield has saved our fences! Works great, ram has no trouble eating or drinking.
Amy E from Michigan
I liked the idea of this harness, and the design was good - but I ordered two size smalls for my 3yr old Icelandic rams and they weren't even close to being able to fit around the base of their horns - way too small. We ended up cutting most of the harness off and re-configuring it for it to be usable (I needed it that day, couldn't wait to exchange it). Once we got them on they were great! No drama, no butting - GREAT! These rams have not been kind to each other in the past, so I know how this would have gone without the shields. I would recommend this to someone IF they fit their ram. I don't recommend going the route we did.
Donna S
We got the shield for a two year old Shetland ram. It takes two of us to get it on him, but once on, it has stopped him damaging gates--pretty amazing. It is sturdy and stays on when strapped tightly. It seems a bit wide for this ram and may be causing some stress. Some tips for how long to leave it on without causing undue stress would be helpful.
Deanna Q
This was just the ticket for our aggressive doe who was flinging our bucklings at random moments, not just feed time. This is a durable shield with strong nylon straps. One side of the mask is similar to suede so I put that side facing her skin. The other side is shiny, almost waterproof. One of the fasteners seemed to be put on backwards, but this did not affect fitting or performance. Speaking of performance the doe could not get this off, adapted to it by the next day and is no longer flinging our bucklings around. This is a very affordable solution to what could have been expensive or life threatening injuries. I purchased the Small horned version for our Nubian/Nigerian cross.