Author Topic: Ewes Bickering (Read 2291 times)

OhLaLa · « **on:** February 20, 2011, 02:08:47 pm »

Some of my ewes are in lamb, others not. They are all together in the field. Good grass for time of year. No males.

I've noticed that they seem to be bickering - running along, pushing each other, headbutting, sometimes pushing and putting front feet up on others backs (usually from the side). By the time I get there they've spotted me and stopped to come to me, so I can't see exactly which are doing what.

It's something they do on and off, fine with each other 90% of the time.

Can anyone throw any light on this behaviour?

Fleecewife · « **Reply #1 on:** February 20, 2011, 03:23:52 pm »

Hi OhLaLa - it's just what they do

. It can be a bit scary when you know they are in lamb and could be damaging eachothers lambs when they butt or hornswipe from the side. When I spot any of mine up to those tricks I shout out their names and clap hands plus make the tsheesh tsheesh noise which tells them they are bad. They stop and look very sheepish - well, they would wouldn't they

I think they are just sorting out the pecking order prior to lambing - because where they are in that will govern their lambs places too ie what status they have. Also they are probably a bit tetchy and bored the heavier they get.