The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: ewesaidit on March 12, 2017, 07:10:54 pm

Title: Odd ewe behaviour
Post by: ewesaidit on March 12, 2017, 07:10:54 pm

Hi Have noticed one of my ewes (with lambs at foot) showing an interest in other ewes nether regions - sniffing under tails and sometimes mouthing (but not biting) the tail.  Bit odd - anyone got any ideas why she might be doing this?

Title: Re: Odd ewe behaviour
Post by: SallyintNorth on March 12, 2017, 11:26:42 pm

Not come across that one, but maybe she's after salt or a mineral?  Do they have a lick?

Title: Re: Odd ewe behaviour
Post by: ewesaidit on March 13, 2017, 07:37:56 am

Thanks Sally they have a lifeline ewe and lamb tub and are getting 18% protein cake. 

Title: Re: Odd ewe behaviour
Post by: Marches Farmer on March 13, 2017, 09:22:09 am

How old are her lambs and has she bonded well with them?  Can you pen or pasture her with just them for a few days?

Title: Re: Odd ewe behaviour
Post by: Fleecewife on March 13, 2017, 12:30:16 pm

Quote from: Marches Farmer on March 13, 2017, 09:22:09 am

How old are her lambs and has she bonded well with them?  Can you pen or pasture her with just them for a few days?

I agree with MF ....and if she's just lambed herself she will be more conscious of everyone else's hormone levels, so maybe she's just checking them out.  If so, the behaviour should stop soon

Title: Re: Odd ewe behaviour
Post by: ewesaidit on March 13, 2017, 07:37:57 pm

Thanks for the replies.  Her lambs are almost three weeks old, well bonded - a great mum. 

Title: Re: Odd ewe behaviour
Post by: sheepandponies on March 15, 2017, 07:33:04 am

Speak or message Khaliem; he messaged on FB some weeks back a similar problem with one of his Z ewes going about biting off the tails of lambs and also biting other ewes tails. x