The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: SueAllen on April 30, 2009, 07:03:34 pm

Title: Why do lambs shake their tails while feeding??
Post by: SueAllen on April 30, 2009, 07:03:34 pm

One of our holiday cottage guests who came to feed the lambs asked why they did this.  I have no idea and can't find anything on the internet.  Anyone know?  I could only find out that it 'gives signals to the ewe'  What signals?  "I'm having a lovely dinner thanks Mum"?  "Faster please"?  What?   :sheep:

Title: Re: Why do lambs shake their tails while feeding??
Post by: HappyHippy on April 30, 2009, 07:27:11 pm

My granny always told me it was how they moved milk from one stomach to the others. Don't know if that was just to keep me quiet as a youngster though  ;)

Title: Re: Why do lambs shake their tails while feeding??
Post by: shetlandpaul on April 30, 2009, 08:26:32 pm

I dont know but its very cute.

Title: Re: Why do lambs shake their tails while feeding??
Post by: doganjo on April 30, 2009, 09:13:08 pm

Dogs wag their tails when they are happy, maybe lambs are the same?

Title: Re: Why do lambs shake their tails while feeding??
Post by: ballingall on April 30, 2009, 11:25:04 pm

Goat kids do it as well. We always put it down to happiness at getting their milk/food. I still have a milker who wags her tail when she gets her food.

Beth

Title: Re: Why do lambs shake their tails while feeding??
Post by: Fluffywelshsheep on May 01, 2009, 04:47:18 pm

i was alway told it was to help movement of milk , but only just occured to me why don't they do it when eating grass !!!

linz

Title: Re: Why do lambs shake their tails while feeding??
Post by: shetlandpaul on May 01, 2009, 07:00:10 pm

have you ever eaten glass. have you noticed its about the time they are weaned that they become how to say it stupid.