Sika Quiet Pasture
Our sika herds are quietly bred for temperament, health and easy management in smaller camps.
Our sika herd began with carefully chosen lines, with original stock sourced under permit from experienced deer custodians with proven, healthy animals. The founding herd has matured in the small camps at Karoo Edge, where a blend of veld grazing and careful selection has shaped their character. We select new additions from known genetic backgrounds, always with full compliance to the NEMBA Alien and Invasive Species Regulations. Each move, even between our own camps, is captured in stud records and requires the correct permit and sturdy biosecurity procedures.
We keep an open, diverse gene pool while favouring animals that thrive in compact, well-fenced camps. With sika, as with all our deer, we avoid inbreeding and single-trait extremes, and we look for animals with strong feet, good body mass for their frame, and a docile temperament that helps with efficient, safe management.
We put great weight on animal temperament during herd selection for the Sika Quiet Pasture programme. Sika are naturally alert, but we seek out those that adapt well to gentle handling and smaller paddocks. During the rut, we observe behaviour closely, marking the stags that hold their group without excessive aggression and the hinds that fawn quietly and rear well.
Growth rate and body conformation are tracked from weaners through to yearlings, checking each animal is filling out properly and showing healthy, balanced movement. Antler growth is monitored in maturing stags, with welfare first. We match unrelated bloodlines at each breeding season, using our stud records lead's records to map out pedigrees and avoid close pairings.
Every sika deer moving from our farm to a new property does so with a full pedigree pack. This includes up-to-date stud records, medical history, movement permits, and a signed declaration covering camp history and animal health. For buyers new to deer farming, we also provide practical guidance on camp setup, fencing and permit application.
When arranging sales, our stud records lead ensures that all the formalities are in order. Animals only leave our care when the receiving party holds, or is applying for, the correct Category 2 NEMBA permit, and all movement is in line with FMD regulations as required at the time. Buyers and partner farms can expect transparency at every step, with ongoing support for genetic record-keeping and herd management.
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