When you are thinking about which ram to use for your ewes this year, a common concern, especially in smaller flocks, is inbreeding. What are some options to reduce the chances of inbreeding or, better yet, how do you keep your sheep from inbreeding all together? You can prevent inbreeding in your sheep by castrating…
When you are getting close to lambing time, you may wonder if you can leave the ram in the lambing area or do you need to take him out for the safety of the lambs? Will the ram hurt lambs? Generally speaking, you can leave the ram with ewes that are lambing, as long as…
It’s common to think about when your sheep are old enough to breed and start producing for you but what about the other end of their productive life, when sheep are getting older? How long can a ewe remain productive and what are the things you need to check to see if she is ageing…
During breeding season your ram is, of course, with the ewes, but breeding season is actually a fairly short period of time, so what do you do with that ram the rest of the year? Can your ram be in with the ewes all of the time or does there come a time when he…
You’ll need to have a good ram to get the best out of your flock and to have plenty of lambs to sell next year. How much is a good ram going to cost you? Plan to pay $500-1,000 for a high quality breeding ram. Ram prices depend upon availability of breeding age rams in…
Breeding season is when you set up the rest of your flock’s year. Having lambs born at the time of the year that suits you and your sheep the best will make lambing season go more smoothly for everyone, both you and your sheep! To have lambs born at the best time for your area,…
So, you’re thinking about getting into sheep and have a few questions about them, specifically about your options regarding breeding season. Mainly, you need to know: when do sheep breed, how much flexibility is there in the breeding and resulting lambing season and how do you know if the ewes are actually bred? Most sheep…
mules in the working chute The Sheep Game (YouTube)
Thinking of getting started with sheep? Good call! Sheep are rising in popularity with small farm enthusiasts and health focused consumers. Now, on to getting a flock for you: where should you buy them and how much will it cost? Buy a starter flock of sheep from a breeder who is raising sheep the same…
Confused when sheep people start talking sheep? Or maybe you’re looking into getting a few sheep but are having trouble finding out the basics? Look no further, I’ve got you covered! Term for adult female sheep Ewe Term for adult intact male sheep Ram Term for castrated male sheep (all ages) Wether Term for all…