The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: WoodyBuzz on March 06, 2009, 09:39:00 am

Title: Keeping a tup with ewes through lambing?
Post by: WoodyBuzz on March 06, 2009, 09:39:00 am
Hi, I hope someone might be able to help me...

I keep 5 ewes and a tup (plus a castrated tup companion!) in a field at home and just wanted to ask some advice on whether it will be ok to leave them all together through lambing.

I have three other flocks of sheep two of which I have seperated the tups and the other we leave running together throughout lambing with no problems.

Does anyone have experience of keeping a tup with ewes (very small scale) through lambing?

Any advice is appreciated!

Many thanks
Title: Re: Keeping a tup with ewes through lambing?
Post by: woollyval on March 06, 2009, 04:11:31 pm
Yes I have done so on occaision and its not a problem!!!..........may depend on breed, but wouldn't think it a problem :) Lambs climbed all over long suffering bloke!!! ::)
Title: Re: Keeping a tup with ewes through lambing?
Post by: WoodyBuzz on March 06, 2009, 04:35:11 pm
Thank you for your reply.

They are Hebrideans and have been absolutely fine since we put them all together. Woody (tup) occasionally fights with a fence post/side of their shelter/mineral tub and when I go in the field gets a little over excited but we tend to hold on to his horns to avoid anything happening!

He has never shown any aggression towards the girls or Buzz (his castrated friend) and is happy following our lakeland terrier around the field for hours! I was just worried that he might be aggressive towards the lambs and they wouldn't be able to escape!
Title: Re: Keeping a tup with ewes through lambing?
Post by: doganjo on March 06, 2009, 07:20:07 pm
Different species, I know, but I wouldn't let my dog anywhere near any puppies and if I did both my bitches would have seen him off. ;)
Title: Re: Keeping a tup with ewes through lambing?
Post by: buddy on March 07, 2009, 07:29:41 am
It is down to personalities, also watch out if you put a bucket of lifeline out for the girls, boys aren't supposed to have too much of it. I like the boys in with the girls, whatever the type as it keeps the peace and purpose. My hens without a cockeral are useless. Pigs are a little difficult to keep fully together.