The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: funkyfish on December 11, 2013, 09:07:44 pm
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I know that three is ideal, and they are happiest in bigger flock. But is it doable to have just a ewe and her lambs?
She is a Shetland type so lambs would stay until the next lot born then sent off for hoggit. I know there is the risk of loosing lambs or not being pregnant but tbe other ewe I have is awful. She is nervous and an escape artist!! If nice ewe has a nice ewe lamb next year, possibly would keep itas a friend for her.
Its just that I have 5 sheep, three are whethers that are a nightmare that need to go in the freezer and skitty ewe is a pain in the bum I can't stand her (although her fleece is lovely! ). She needs a big flock to settle. So may sell her. This leaves nice ewe by her self-would wait till/if she and skitty lambs before selling. Would nice ewe be ok with just her lambs?
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tricky one... don't know shetlands well enough, but in my case with Whiteface Dartmoors...
We had 2 ewes a few years back, both threw twins on the same day, but one ewe died the next day. The remaining ewe thrived - her ewe lamb follows her round still. They were all fine.
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Don't think you would know until you try.... it's an individual thing. I have had ewes that kept themselves (and their lambs) quite separate from the flock, but only the odd one.
Also your skitty girl could settle down once she has lambed...