[Fleecewife]

We have bred Hebs for 15 years and always lamb outside, with just a shelter in each field and some bales for the lambs to snuggle down behind.  The only ewe who ignored one lamb was one I had forgotten was a first timer, but I just picked up the lamb and put it with the twin and all was well. Actually that ewe was a bit of a nutter and we sold her - shouldn't have bought her in the first place  . In general Hebs are the best of mothers - they will defend their twins against most predators if they can.  At night they all collect together in a circle with the lambs towards the middle, just like buffalo and bison.  They are also full of character and individuality - you will soon realise that you can identify your ewes by their voices without even being able to see them. I love my flock.  We have just taken the tups out from their tupping groups today and put them back in the male paddock so they are all having a big bust-up.  We are looking forward to some cracking lambs in April.

[princesspiggy]

poddy lamb/calve means hand fed, not neccessarily orphaned tho. our first ever sheep were xbreed lambs that were triplets so we got them and handreared them, cos 2 lambs was more than enough for the ewes.

[princesspiggy]

maybe i just had bad luck then, i blamed myself and sold my ewes that year and havent lambed for 2 years. wer restocking this spring with 4 new ewes. wev still got a few heb to send away.(not bobby tho- ha) their meat is sooo good.

[Blinkers]

I've never heard the term 'Poddy' - I like it      We call 'em Mollies 

[princesspiggy]

i think its an australian term, used to live there so it stuck, we use to watch the rodeos there, kids (not mind tho!!) wud ride the poddy bulls in ring, last about 2 seconds. i use to hate thought of rodeos until i realised even the champion guys only lasted about 8 seconds on the bulls. dont ride the horse rodeos though, but then i dont like horses at auction either, brings lump to throat.