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Author Topic: how many sheep minimum  (Read 1924 times)

funkyfish

  • Joined Nov 2011
  • Devon
how many sheep minimum
« on: December 11, 2013, 09:07:44 pm »
I know that three is ideal, and they are happiest in  bigger flock. But is it doable to have just a ewe and her lambs?

She is a Shetland type so lambs would stay until the next lot born then sent off for hoggit. I know there is the risk of loosing lambs or not being pregnant but tbe other ewe I have is awful.  She is nervous and an escape artist!! If nice ewe has a nice ewe lamb next year, possibly would keep itas a friend for her.

Its just that I have 5 sheep, three are whethers that are a nightmare that need to go in the freezer and skitty ewe is a pain in the bum I can't stand her (although her fleece is lovely! ). She needs a big flock to settle. So may sell her. This leaves nice ewe by her self-would wait till/if she and skitty lambs before selling. Would nice ewe be ok with just her lambs?
Old and rare breed Ducks, chickens, geese, sheep, guinea pigs, 3 dogs, 3 cats, husband and chicks brooding in the tv cabinate!

smallflockshearing

  • Joined Jul 2013
  • Devon
Re: how many sheep minimum
« Reply #1 on: December 12, 2013, 08:40:45 am »
tricky one...   don't know shetlands well enough, but in my case with Whiteface Dartmoors...

We had 2 ewes a few years back, both threw twins on the same day, but one ewe died the next day.  The remaining ewe thrived - her ewe lamb follows her round still.  They were all fine.
Carefully shearing small flocks throughout the South-West.

Anke

  • Joined Dec 2009
  • St Boswells, Scottish Borders
Re: how many sheep minimum
« Reply #2 on: December 12, 2013, 01:35:44 pm »
Don't think you would know until you try.... it's an individual thing. I have had ewes that kept themselves (and their lambs) quite separate from the flock, but only the odd one.

Also your skitty girl could settle down once she has lambed...

 

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