The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: pooks on December 04, 2013, 02:07:39 pm

Title: Wiltshire horn breeding question
Post by: pooks on December 04, 2013, 02:07:39 pm

how early in the  autumn  has anyone had a wiltshire horn ewe tupped and held?  I have a wilts ewe who was with a 4 month old ram lamb in August (untill he went to slaughter middle Oct at 6 months) and she is looking decidedly massive?  she is not being fed, the grass is nearly gone and none of them are interested in hay yet, so could he have caught her as ealy as beginning of August, which would make her due around 2nd Jan?  any thoughts?

Title: Re: Wiltshire horn breeding question
Post by: Hillview Farm on December 04, 2013, 02:47:34 pm

I think it could well be possible!

Title: Re: Wiltshire horn breeding question
Post by: Tim W on December 04, 2013, 04:48:44 pm

Plenty of the 'show' boys breed their wilts early in the season to get nice big lambs for the summer shows-----I have lambed them in early Feb so I am sure Jan is doable

Title: Re: Wiltshire horn breeding question
Post by: pooks on December 05, 2013, 08:15:40 am

Thanks for that guys, i will keep a watchful eye on her from Christmas onwards; and will let you know what happens.

Title: Re: Wiltshire horn breeding question
Post by: TheCaptain on December 06, 2013, 05:44:14 pm

I've just lambed my commercial breed Mule x texel (twins - hurray!) - she cycled with my Portlands who can essentially lamb anytime of the year. It is, therefore, very possible!