Breeding Season
Breeding season starts when you want it to start. I have put my breeding groups together as early as late September. Day length and temperatures have much to do with when the ewes will begin cycling, but this does not always hold true. There are enough out of season lambs proving this to be so, from Wild Flocks as well as traditional flocks which the owners didn't realize that their ram shouldn't be with the ewes at lambing if they don't want out of season lambs.
We keep at least two fences between each breeding group, to assure that we know for certain who is the sire of our lambs. Rams have been known to breed a ewe right through the fence, and reputable and honest breeders will not take this kind of chance by keeping breeding groups next to each other. When buying breeding stock, ask the breeder how many stationary (not moveable) fences are between each group, and how far apart those fences are.
You may not see any sign of breeding activity in your flock; quite often these sheep are very shy and will not mate in front of you. But if you do see a ram mounting a ewe, mark it on your calendar. We have been keeping track of this information in our flock for years, and our records show that Soay ewes will lamb between 145 and 153 days later, with 147 to 151 days being most common. Knowing the date of conception gives you an advantage in the spring; you will have a general idea of when those lambs will be born, and if you are fortunate, you will be able to witness the birth!
© 2000 - 2006. Website design, text and photos are copyright by Ronda Jemtegaard unless otherwise noted.
Reproduction by any means, electronic or mechanical, is forbidden unless written request
