The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Jamie12 on January 08, 2015, 04:31:26 pm
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Probably being daft but the ewe lambs were a bit odd this afternoon, half came over when I shouted half didn't. They had been jumping around a lot, headbutting a bit. Usually they are mostly lying content, there are horses next door who keep running at the lambs by the fence. They are all in good condition, access to clean water, though landowner is storing hay in sheep field fortthe horses and sheep are attempting to eat it. He's been told to stop putting it in there (and driving through that field). Am I worrying for nothing? Would hate to think there's anything up with them. They seem a bit uneasy in a way?
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Your ewe lambs, if born Spring 2014, are now what we call tegs in these parts - they're growing up and establishing a weak pecking order (and Spring is on the way, too!) They'll learn not to go near the horses although a vehicle may well spook them if the field's not big enough for them to get well away from it. They can also be spooked by buzzards, foxes, badgers, low-flying aircraft, loud noises and anything unexpected .....
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I'm used to my horses being fine with sheep, mine would happily graze in a neighboring field and not bother them, these horses on the other hand are pains.... :innocent:
I'm a bit paranoid when it comes to my sheep ;D
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Good for you, watching them and being alerted by changes in behaviour. That's good stockmanship :thumbsup:
I'd be a lot more worried if this was in-lamb ewes that were upset, but if it takes the ewe lambs a few days to get used to the new horses next door, and to the vehicle coming through their field, they shouldn't take too much harm.
Keep keeping a watchful eye on them, though, particularly if it's a relatively small field and they may be feeling pressured all the time ;)
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They are in lamb ewe lambs, hence why I was worried. They settled down after a while, seemed fine this morning also.
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Id say a few of them were a bit boisterous, skipping about and jumping. I haven't given them any cake to encourage them over so that may suggest why they aren't keen to come over
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They are just feeling good, don't worry about it