[Croftgary]

Think the title says it all, I have an 11 year old Shetland  ewe that I have owned since she was three and she has lambed every year.
Do I stop putting her to the ram or just let nature decide?


Thoughts please..

[Azzdodd]

I know a man who has an Oxford down ewe 14 years old had twins in 2012 and a single 2013 said she just need abit extra than the rest but her lambs are still the best out the flock....only you know your ewe....is she still fit and healthy? Had any lambing problems?

[SallyintNorth]

I knew a fella farms in the Lakes had a Herdwick 17 years old still rearing a lamb every year.

[Fleecewife]

Same here - I've had a 15 yo produce big healthy twins and rear them with no probs.  On the other hand I've had much younger ewes who start to lose their teeth at 8 and that is usually the deciding point for me.  A ewe will survive fine with no incisors, but not rear twins too.
Part of the criteria I use for a good line to breed from is longevity, by which I mean a ewe which can still rear lambs, has all her teeth, good udder, good feet, good condition, etc well into her teens.
 
Your 11 yo ewe may be perfectly fit to go on for a few years more, or she might be past it already.  Have a good look at her, especially her teeth.

[SteveHants]

If she is sound in tooth and udder an isn't underweight, I'd put her to the tup.

[Croftgary]

Will get the dental equipment out just to check, thanks everyone for the advice..