The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Nicki_W on January 14, 2014, 11:11:15 am

Title: Is it safe to put related tup back with his mother if she isn't in lamb
Post by: Nicki_W on January 14, 2014, 11:11:15 am

Just a very quick question.  I'm a smallholder with 3 older ewes and 4 ewe lambs [Dorset Horn].  I have decided, just for this year, not to put the girls in lamb.  [Ewe lambs were April born (2013) and ewes about 6/7 years old]  Have kept the best ram lamb from last year's crop to trade for an unrelated ram this year with local farmer.

Currently the boys [1x ram and his wether buddy] are still in a separate field to the girls.  Will the ewes/ewe lambs have finished seasonal oestrus cycling yet, or is it safer to keep them apart.  I think I know the answer, but would like the collective's opinion. :sheep:

Title: Re: Is it safe to put related tup back with his mother if she isn't in lamb
Post by: fsmnutter on January 14, 2014, 11:31:10 am

Dorset horns are of a breed that are less seasonal than other breeds, therefore could still cycle throughout the year.
Best to keep them apart all the time.

Title: Re: Is it safe to put related tup back with his mother if she isn't in lamb
Post by: TheCaptain on January 14, 2014, 01:50:28 pm

No!  ;D