The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Paulie on November 01, 2014, 09:23:08 am
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Good morning :wave:
I'm Not knowing how to best put the ewes with the ram lambs due to only having 2 paddocks 1 of which needs to house the ewe lambs.
So can I put my 2 ewes in a small paddock with 2 ram lambs or will this create problems. I need to get them together as the ram lambs are booked to go in the freezer on the 26th
Thanks Paul
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Put them in with your ewe lambs?
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You don't mention a tup. Are the ewes already tupped? If they are, then it shouldn't hurt to put the ram lambs in with them.
However, if they are not tupped, then it could / would cause a fight when one of the ewes comes a-tupping, so in that case, I'd put the ewes and ewe lambs together in one paddock, the ram lambs in the other, until the ram lambs go.
Otherwise do you have a stable or something where either the ram lambs or the ewe lambs could go?
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Sorry I wasn't clear at all.
I want the ewes tupped by the ram lambs. So my only option I think is to put the 2 ewes in with the 2 ram lambs but unsure if this will create fighting etc i do have an empty stable that I could put 1 of the ram lamb in ? Or wait until the ram lambs go on the 26th and then hire a ram
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Two ram lambs together should be fine tupping, its usually only more experienced mature tips that may fight, I have two in one bunch of 40 right now, ones a ram lamb and the other is a ram and they are fine
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As Ladygrey says. You shouldn't leave any sheep on its own so the stable for one of the tup lambs is out. :sheep: :sheep:
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As long as you don't need to know who daddy is (as in you are not breeding for pedigree) - two boys will have a bit of fun before the 26th of Nov...
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But if you eat them may they be tainted at that age x
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Depends on breed and age. January born maybe, April bonr unlikely unless they've been pushed.
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Thanks for your help guys, the rams are Wiltshire's and 8 months old and only grass fed. I put the ewes in on Sunday and other than I little butting all seems well, 1 of the tups is showing plenty of interest but no action as yet.
I have used raddle paste on the tups, I'm hoping this won't be a problem when they go for slaughter ???
Also are they likely to loose condition whilst tipping just 2 ewes?
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Raddle paste won't be a problem - you can always trim it off anyway before they go. Ram taint might be though, they will now be filling themselves up with male hormones. I'm not sure how much effect a months worth of hormones will have on the taste.... And yes, they might well lose condition too - too much chasing and not enough eating. You could however combat this by giving them extra feed daily.
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Thanks foobar, I am giving a little feed and hay and just have to take my chances with taint.
The boys and girls have been together for a week today the boys are still showing plenty of interest but no sign of jiggy jiggy !! Should I be getting worried or have the girls just not come into season yet ?
Thanks paul
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They cycle every 17 days so just be patient :)