The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Fishyhaddock on August 15, 2011, 10:48:04 pm

Title: Weaning - started today but for how long?
Post by: Fishyhaddock on August 15, 2011, 10:48:04 pm

Seperated the lambs from their mums today, the ewes will go to the tup in November. My question is can the lambs go back in with their mums after a certain period of time and if so approx how long? The ewes produced twins in April and have not been fed extra cake. They are in a paddock which has been grazed previously in an effort to help the milk dry up quicker.

The lambs (3 boys, one ewe) are in with the year and a half wethers. The boys were ringed so the testosterone levels should be manageable.
Any thoughts very welcome.

Thanks,
Fishy.
 

Title: Re: Weaning - started today but for how long?
Post by: Fishyhaddock on August 18, 2011, 06:31:09 pm

 ::) ::)
Think I've been silly - just been told by a sheep friend that the ewes and their lambs can't be reunited unless we wish the milk to start flowing again - oh well - live and learn!

Title: Re: Weaning - started today but for how long?
Post by: shep53 on August 18, 2011, 08:29:45 pm

NO not silly a sensible question,after 2or3 weeks the milk will have gone and the ewe will refuse to let the lamb suckle

Title: Re: Weaning - started today but for how long?
Post by: Corrie Dhu on August 18, 2011, 09:48:56 pm

3 weeks and they will be fine.