The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: in the hills on September 22, 2014, 08:52:44 am

Title: Soay tup - How long?
Post by: in the hills on September 22, 2014, 08:52:44 am
I have been offered the loan of a Soay tup to cover my 6 ewes. They have lambed twice previously but we missed lambing last year for various reasons.

Previous years we kept the tup for the winter but hope to keep him this year for a shorter period. He is about 3 years old and proven.

How long should I keep him to ensure 'most' of the ewes get caught? Not too bothered about 100% being caught.
Title: Re: Soay tup - How long?
Post by: Fleecewife on September 22, 2014, 05:16:51 pm

Six weeks works for us, starting in early November.
Title: Re: Soay tup - How long?
Post by: Bramblecot on September 22, 2014, 05:25:34 pm
About 6 weeks - probably gives him 2 chances :D and you a reasonably short lambing time :fc: .  You will also have a definite cut-off date for lambing too :thumbsup: . 
Title: Re: Soay tup - How long?
Post by: in the hills on September 22, 2014, 06:44:31 pm
Brilliant .... thank you both  ;D
Title: Re: Soay tup - How long?
Post by: Marches Farmer on September 22, 2014, 07:56:23 pm
If both ewes and ram are healthy 19 days should sort it all out.  We never leave the ram in for more than 21 days, which gives him time to pick up ewes served on the first day or two that were actually right at the end of their cycle.  Ony had one barrener in the last ten years.
Title: Re: Soay tup - How long?
Post by: in the hills on September 23, 2014, 03:43:58 pm
Thanks MF