I have the oppertunity to get a 2 yr old ewe and a yearling ram (babydoll southdowns) I've been told that the ram needs to be seperated from the ewe 9 months out of the year. I don't understand why because they also say they shouldn't be alone. so its all confusing. Is there a website of would someone like to explain this too me? thanks Crystal
The reason for them being separated is usually for a controlled breeding program. DH said you don't have to keep them separated, as long as they are not in a small pen together when she is ready to lamb. FYI: Gestation is 150 days. We keep our Jacob four horn sheep together all the time. Jean
Controlled breeding is important if you have severe winters like we have, or no permanent shelter for your animals. It's very difficult for newborn lambs to generate enough body heat during the winter. With gestation being about 150 days... just count back from when your winter arrives, and put a fence panel between your ewe and ram. They can still see each other, but can't "play house" without your permission. Here's a good site for basic sheep raising info.
Sorry about the misinformation, I didn't think to look where you live. Here in TX, ours are together all the time, breed in the fall & lamb in the spring (naturally, with no interference from us). Once DH had a ewe that lambed twice in one year. But that only happened with that one ewe & she only did that twice. Yes, if your ewe is not bred, you should control the time of the year they are together so you do not have babies in winter. Jean