Intorducing a new Ram to our Girls...

[IndianOak]

Hello All: I have 2 Southdown Babydoll Ewes who are just about 12 months old. I want to introduce a new ram to the pair.
Am I better off getting a young newborn ram or am i better getting one that is about their age?
Do the ewes normally accept a new addition?
I am new at this so thanks for your help!

 

[Baymule]

You can get a grown ram, pen him next to the girls to let them get acquainted. Or you can go ahead a d turn him in with the girls.
Do you have a separate pen for the ram? You will need one. You should separate the ram before the ewes give birth or he’s liable to try breeding them while they are giving birth. Some rams need to be taken out sooner because they start ramming the ewes. For your own safety, the ram needs to do his thing, then take him out.

Never turn your back on a ram. If you are trying to enjoy the ewes and lambs, you don’t need the ram in there with them.

 

[secuono]

I just toss in the ram. They'll play keep away until they cycle.

 

[secuono]

I'll add, too young a ramling, the adult ewes will/can boss him around. Once he really hits puberty, they'll start to respect him.
What age is more up to how you want him to act, as too many people baby the rams, in the Babydoll world, and then are surprised it attacks them. I ignore my rams until maturity, 2+ years. They're only handled by the shearer and 2× a year by me to be put in and taken out of breeding groups. Lamb vaccination doesn't really count, they're crowded and done in groups. Otherwise, untouched. Even handled to teach leading has proven to be too much contact.