The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: shrekfeet on October 29, 2009, 02:08:23 pm

Title: age for breeding ewes
Post by: shrekfeet on October 29, 2009, 02:08:23 pm

can anyone shed any light on what age is good to start breeding ewe lambs from? I was told over 12 months old but some of the web stuff I've seen states they can lamb at that age.
Please help

Title: Re: age for breeding ewes
Post by: shetlandpaul on October 29, 2009, 03:35:39 pm

they are better at there second season. but our ram sneaked in and the yearling were fine.

Title: Re: age for breeding ewes
Post by: hexhammeasure on October 29, 2009, 05:14:42 pm

There are some people who breed from hogg (tupped as a lamb i.e before their first birthday) then lambed the following spring but i think this stunts the future growth of the ewe and (I've heard) can be difficult to lamb if there is too much winter forage around (big lambs).

We don't do this although as with the previous reply we did have one go play with the boys one year. she was always the smallest ewe in the flock after that

Title: Re: age for breeding ewes
Post by: pikilily on October 29, 2009, 06:29:16 pm

Tuppence, one of my ewes was born february 2008, tupped in autumn, lambed twins the following april (2009). She and her lambs were the biggest of the flock, she had no problems lambing and was a fat as a piggy at tupping and over the winter. She just went against all the rules....there always has to be one!
But does show that 'rules' dont work when it comes to animals!
Emma T

Title: Re: age for breeding ewes
Post by: hexhammeasure on October 29, 2009, 08:04:19 pm

when we lamb our gimmers (1st time lambers) we always HOPE for twins as in general it means the lambs will be smaller and (in theory) an easier lambing. As you say rules don't work when it comes to animals

Title: Re: age for breeding ewes
Post by: VSS on October 29, 2009, 10:18:57 pm

Too many variables to give an informed answer on so little information, but in general I would say leave them until they are shearlings.

(Edit: Note from OH. Ewe lambs should only be bred from in their first year if they've reached 60% of their expected adult weight by tupping time).

Title: Re: age for breeding ewes
Post by: pikilily on October 30, 2009, 06:08:49 pm

hey VSS
that sounds like a good rule of thumb! at last something we can all relate to!
Will bear that in mind when i make my mind up about this years ewe lamb. Although gives me a headache if i have to seperate her from all the other ewes cos she is the only lamb. She is big mind you.

Anyway, will fall with welfare over convenience everytime!
Emma T