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SheepGirl

SheepGirl

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IME lamb size has more to do with nutrition in late gestation than does size of the ram used to breed a ewe. (The opposite of cattle, where there are EPDs for birth weight.)

Last year, ewes got fed all they required and then some... 66% of the ewes needed help giving birth to 50% of the lambs. This year, I fed all the hay they required and some grain (not a lot)... 25% of the ewes needed help giving birth to 18% of the lambs (though I'm sure one ewe and her one lamb didn't really need help--my mom went out to check while I was at work and started pulling). Last year's ram was smaller than my largest ewe. This year's ram was 140 lbs at 7 months old...50-60 lbs heavier than my lambs at that same age, if that gives you an idea of the size difference.

I think your ewe will be fine, don't stress. Watch what you feed her, don't overfeed her. Feeding ewe lambs is a delicate balance. Usually more protein gives you larger lambs.

BTW, my ewe lambs breed at 7-8 months and lamb at 12-13 months no problem, for the most part.
 
luvmypets

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SheepGirl said:
IME lamb size has more to do with nutrition in late gestation than does size of the ram used to breed a ewe. (The opposite of cattle, where there are EPDs for birth weight.)

Last year, ewes got fed all they required and then some... 66% of the ewes needed help giving birth to 50% of the lambs. This year, I fed all the hay they required and some grain (not a lot)... 25% of the ewes needed help giving birth to 18% of the lambs (though I'm sure one ewe and her one lamb didn't really need help--my mom went out to check while I was at work and started pulling). Last year's ram was smaller than my largest ewe. This year's ram was 140 lbs at 7 months old...50-60 lbs heavier than my lambs at that same age, if that gives you an idea of the size difference.

I think your ewe will be fine, don't stress. Watch what you feed her, don't overfeed her. Feeding ewe lambs is a delicate balance. Usually more protein gives you larger lambs.

BTW, my ewe lambs breed at 7-8 months and lamb at 12-13 months no problem, for the most part.
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Thank you. We talked to the vet about different options. I love her so much, I dont know what Id do if something went wrong. The vet said young ewe lambs being pregnant it is pretty common and that if worst comes to worst she will need a c-section. My main worries are a. We arent always there (we dont actually live at our barn, we live about five mins away) b. She is too small. I dont know her weight or the rams weight. The ram is smaller, its just he has his winter coat/fat on.
 
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AriesX

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Do you have any way to construct a temp lambing jug at your house? It only needs to be like 4 x 6 if you can't do larger. That would make it easier to care for her when she lambs.
 
luvmypets

luvmypets

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AriesX said:
Do you have any way to construct a temp lambing jug at your house? It only needs to be like 4 x 6 if you can't do larger. That would make it easier to care for her when she lambs.
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I wish. No, sadly we would get fined if we had a sheep in our backyard.
 
AriesX

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Sheep in the yard? What sheep?

That stinks that you couldn't just bring her for a week or two. How high is the fine?

I'm sure you'll figure something out.
 
luvmypets

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Im not sure, I just know it wouldnt be aloud. We are still discussing options as what to do with her.
 
luvmypets

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She was born april 21st last year. She is due in 4-ish months I think.
 
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