Rams again

Magpie · Post: # 54609Post **Magpie** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 8:44 pm

Just wondering how long the rams should be separated from the ewes if you don't want lambs? They have tidied up their paddock very nicely now, thinking we may have to open up another smaller paddock for them, and then break-feed the first one, and wanting to know how long we have to plan for.

autumnleaf · Mon May 07, 2007 2:12 am

The only safe time a ram can be with a ewe is when the ewe is already in lamb I think. I know that the standard wisdom is that ewes are in oestrus only in the autumn but there are breeds that can mate successfully other times of the year. I think the Dorset might be one - not sure about that. If a ram is close by and the weather is favourable I wouldn't risk having a ram with ewes at any time if I don't want lambs.

Jack · Post: # 56501Post **Jack** » Mon May 07, 2007 9:57 am

Gidday

autumnleaf wrote:The only safe time a ram can be with a ewe is when the ewe is already in lamb I think. I know that the standard wisdom is that ewes are in oestrus only in the autumn but there are breeds that can mate successfully other times of the year. I think the Dorset might be one - not sure about that. If a ram is close by and the weather is favourable I wouldn't risk having a ram with ewes at any time if I don't want lambs.

I will ditto all of that.

autumnleaf · Mon May 07, 2007 7:32 pm

Cheers

Magpie · Post: # 56536Post **Magpie** » Mon May 07, 2007 8:41 pm

Thanks, guys.

We ended up letting them out this weekend, after they ate down the paddock they were in. We have 20 acres, but only 1 paddock is fenced off yet, so nowhere else to put them. Didn't want to buy in feed when there is plenty outside their fence!

So I know we will get lambs, but at least it will be later, (October or later) and we will hopefully be in residence then, so will be able to keep an eye on them.