The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Hillview Farm on March 29, 2013, 08:16:37 am

Title: Shearlings.... Do they pop early or late?
Post by: Hillview Farm on March 29, 2013, 08:16:37 am

Just wondered if shearling tend to lamb before 147 days or after?

Title: Re: Shearlings.... Do they pop early or late?
Post by: ScotsGirl on March 29, 2013, 09:15:16 am

I think it depends a bit on breed. South Downs tend to go a day or two early. I tend to watch closely from 142 days and longest has been 149 days I think. I've got Southdown, mules and Suffolk/Suffolk x

Title: Re: Shearlings.... Do they pop early or late?
Post by: Big Benny Shep on March 29, 2013, 02:05:20 pm

Generally they will lamb when you dont want them to  ;D


mine seem to lamb on or around the due date, give or take a week


HTH

Title: Re: Shearlings.... Do they pop early or late?
Post by: Marches Farmer on March 29, 2013, 02:15:37 pm

Earliest my Southdowns have arrived is 6 days early (this year), latest 9 days late (Winter of 2011).  Generally reckon first-timers a day or two late, whereas old hands with twins a couple of days early.  Having said that all of ours have been2 to 6 days early so far, including two first-timers with 2 day early singles and one with 3 day early twins!   Badger Faced have generally gone a couple of days over.  One year 2 of 20 Lleyns had a massive prolapse, went into labour and had to have Caesareans a week early.  One set of twins delivered dead, the other alive, but neither ewe had milk, so had to adopt on.  Don't like Lleyns.

Title: Re: Shearlings.... Do they pop early or late?
Post by: Hillview Farm on March 29, 2013, 05:51:22 pm

Thats all really interesting! My shearlings are suffolk cross Mules so i will start to check at nights before the due date