The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: PK on May 31, 2015, 10:16:02 pm

Title: Wiltshire Horn self-shedding advice
Post by: PK on May 31, 2015, 10:16:02 pm

I have two ewes (my first sheep) who both lambed this year. They are beginning to lose wool in tufts. Do I leave the process to continue on its own or do I help it along in any way? How long will it take roughly?

A secondary query is that the lambs were the result if a cross with a Jacob ram. Will they inherit the self shedding quality or is it a case of wait and see?

Thanks

Title: Re: Wiltshire Horn self-shedding advice
Post by: Porterlauren on May 31, 2015, 10:32:14 pm

They should shed out on their own.

The offspring may be partial shedders, another x and they should shed.

Title: Re: Wiltshire Horn self-shedding advice
Post by: Tim W on June 01, 2015, 07:08:51 am

Shedding time will depend on health & stress

In general barren animals shed first followed by ewes with singles and then twins etc

I've only known 1 mob of Jacob x wilts and the lambs shed up the neck, belly and around the tail
2nd cross should give a complete shedder but there is much variation between animals

Title: Re: Wiltshire Horn self-shedding advice
Post by: PK on June 01, 2015, 11:43:09 am

Thanks

Title: Re: Wiltshire Horn self-shedding advice
Post by: JedM on July 08, 2015, 04:18:04 pm

I've noticed that these wiltshires were your first sheep PK.  Do you think these are good starter sheep as I have the choice between Wiltshire horns or suffolks.  I will be breeding them next year with a Hampshire down ram and fattening the lambs.  Do wiltshires have much meat?