June/July lambs?

[Parsnip]

Is it better to have lambs in Jan/Feb, or June/July?

Some of my ewes who did not get bred in September are cycling right now.
I have access to a ram, and I was wondering what the pros and cons were to summer and/or winter babies?
If I put them with a ram soon, that would give them June lambs.
Is one season harder on ewes than the other?
Summer lambs would be easier on ME because I don't have college in the summer.

Can I have opinions?
Thank you!

 

[Southern by choice]

Parasites are much more of an issue.
Many have problems with weight gain in the lambs in late lambing.

 

[Parsnip]

Oh boy...

Thanks for the info on that!

 

[Bossroo]

Look at what Mother Nature is doing ... she prefers the young to be born just as the food supply is just starting to increase, which is best for survival. For best results with the lambs as well as the ewes, one should have the lambs born just as the grass is starting to grow. This will provide the best nutrition while the later born lambs will run out of nutrition value of the grasses and that will stunt their growth. Also, the ewes will loose quite a bit more condition on the poorer mature grasses while providing milk demand of the lambs which in turn will affect the next year's lambs. What is best for any livestock is not always best or convenient for the herd master.

 

[Parsnip]

Ah!
Thanks for the input!

It's just that I'm pretty sure only one of my ewes got bred this year (out of 4)
So I just wanted to stagger the lambies being born!
I might have to find the patience and NOT expose them next week to a ram.
Thanks for the advice!

 

[SheepGirl]

If you bred them now, they would be having May babies. Not bad, but its also fly season and lambs dont gain well in the heat. All my lambs that were born in May the past two years gained poorly...one third of a pound a day...compared to my March born lambs, who gained a half pound a day.

 

[Parsnip]

I actually still might do it?
I live near the Oregon coast, so Summer doesn't really happen until July anyways.
It's still rainy and moderately cold until then.
The grass doesn't really start growing until June, because of the rainy weather and limited sunlight!

I'm still not sure!
But thanks for your input on this whole thing!


(and Merry Christmas!)

 

[Southern by choice]

I actually still might do it?
I live near the Oregon coast, so Summer doesn't really happen until July anyways.
It's still rainy and moderately cold until then.
The grass doesn't really start growing until June, because of the rainy weather and limited sunlight!

I'm still not sure!
But thanks for your input on this whole thing!


(and Merry Christmas!)

Merry Christmas.
The great thing about it is... you can try it and see how things work out for you! No rule one way or another. It is fun to have a staggering flow of lambs (or kids in my case) just keep in mind your end goals. Meat animals don't fair as well weight wise but if this is for wool etc maybe not such a big deal!

 

[bonbean01]

For some reason, our January lambs grow much faster than those that come later...yes, it is easier being out there for hours when it is warmer...but...works out better for us with hair sheep. Also, when banding the males...no flies yet!

But as Southern said...see what works out best for you. Good luck and enjoy them!