The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: wellies on July 22, 2012, 09:15:34 pm

Title: When will ewes start to cycle
Post by: wellies on July 22, 2012, 09:15:34 pm
Hi everyone, hope you all enjoyed the sun today? I have a quick sheep question... I have Ryeland ewes and this is the first season we have a ram on the property during the summer months. He is separate from the ewes at the moment and hopefully will go back in with them in October. I was hoping someone who has rye land experience could tell me what month the ewes will start to cycle generally? Their lambs were weaned 4 weeks ago if that makes any difference? The reason I ask is one of the ewes escaped today & I found her with Ted the tup :o
Title: Re: When will ewes start to cycle
Post by: Brucklay on July 22, 2012, 09:52:51 pm
Not had any sheep escapees yet, and only Jacob/Shetland/Moorit experience but my goats have been in season for about a month - the second the kids left home.


If I was you I'd make a not of who and when just in case.


I took my tup to a show yesterday and he was very interested by his jacob neighbours  :innocent: :innocent:
Title: Re: When will ewes start to cycle
Post by: kaz on July 22, 2012, 10:25:33 pm
I have found with my Ryelands that they don't take a lot of notice of the ewes until Autumn time. I put my tups in Sept/Oct time and than leave them in with ewes until all have been covered and not remarked.  It's unlikely anything has happened (not a cast iron guarantee) but Ryeland tups tend to like it a bit cooler for courting the ladies. :fc:
Title: Re: When will ewes start to cycle
Post by: omnipeasant on July 22, 2012, 10:37:04 pm
Agree with kaz, don't worry but put a note in the diary anyway. hampshire Downs and a few other breeds will cycle all year round.