[andywalt]

When I get my new little flock, I will need to identify the oldests ewes so I can replace them when the time comes.....Ive heard that they lose 2 teeth each year one from each side, so if this happens are the teeth not replaced with others? do they end up with none? if anyone still has any energy to answer I will be grateful 

[khajou]

When a sheep gets to 1 year old (roughly) the two middle baby incisors fall out and will be replaced by 2 permanent teeth. Like humans, they look different. When the sheep reaches 2 years of age the baby teeth either side the permanent teeth will be replaced by 2 permanent teeth. This process continues yearly until the sheep is 5 years old when they are classed as full mouthed. After that, if they lose any they are classed as broken mouthed.

Hope that helps.

[andywalt]

ahhh I see thanks that makes sence

cheers

[Fleecewife]

Also when they lose teeth it is not in any order, although the middle ones tend to wear out first. They usually go very thin (the teeth) beofre they actually fall out, so you have some warning that they are getting old.  Often a sheep will struggle when it starts losing teeth, but will do  alot better, on a softer diet, when they have all come out and they are totally gummy.
People tend to forget that sheep also have molar teeth at the back of the jaw.  When these start to come out, they really have problems.  It is also worth checking by running your hand along the side of the jaw, that there are no lumps which indicate abscesses in these back teeth.

[andywalt]

cheers for that

[Anke]

And it does really hurt if you get your finger/thumb by accident in between these back teeth!!!! (like when checking/dosing - I know you shouldn't, but I guess it happens at least once to all of us!)