The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: mebnandtrn on July 20, 2014, 08:43:14 am

Title: ram lamb
Post by: mebnandtrn on July 20, 2014, 08:43:14 am

At what age will an uncastrated ram lamb need separating from his mother / sisters / aunts etc please?  Many thanks.

Title: Re: ram lamb
Post by: kelly58 on July 20, 2014, 08:49:36 am

Was told its 4 mths :sheep:

Title: Re: ram lamb
Post by: Hellybee on July 20, 2014, 09:50:02 am

Our lambs are from Feb through to early April.  They will be weaned at the same time during august.  This is the norm with us, only ever one tupping by a young ram lamb here. 

Title: Re: ram lamb
Post by: mebnandtrn on July 21, 2014, 07:34:46 am

I think all the lambs are pretty much weaned naturally already, it was the reaching sexual maturity I was more concerned about.

Title: Re: ram lamb
Post by: Rosemary on July 21, 2014, 10:35:36 am

We wean ours when the youngest is 16 weeks and the oldest about 20 weeks (we had one late tup lamb thsi year) - that's 26th August for us this year. They're already horny but the ewes aren't interested - it's too early for them to come into season.

Title: Re: ram lamb
Post by: Anke on July 21, 2014, 11:20:07 am

Depends also a bit on the breed - my pure entire Shetland lambs (only one left entire this year as possible sire replacement in the flock) will stay with their dams until about 4.5 months old. Would take out a texel or other large modern breed a bit earlier. All my wether and female lambs are left until weaned naturally.

My goats have been in season already... one twice and regular! Not sure if the ewes are as early too - hope not!