The right time

[shy sheep]

So , I know that m sheep have to be in heat to breed. I'm just not sure of the signs. My one girl keeps riding her sister, and I think that might be a sign that she's ready to breed, but I'm not sure. Anyone know anything?

 

[BrownSheep]

Sheep are pretty difficult to catch. I, for one haven't ever caught one in heat, and have actually only ever seen one ewe bred. But the lambs miraculously pop up so I can't complain. That does sound like a good sign though. I would put the ram in for at least six weeks.

 

[Bridgemoof]

Sometimes you can tell when they walk around holding their tail up a lot, and also their female parts look a bit puffy.

 

[Shelly May]

Yes, Most sheep come into heat as we will call it, when the temperatures are cooler,
usually in the late fall. I have 238 ewe's and they will ride each other (girls) as a sign
that they are in, But what are the ages of your girls that you are asking about, best
not to breed them until they are 10-11 months of age, or 3/4 of their body weight at
maturity. If they are older go ahead and put ram in they are ready, if they are younger
wait to put ram in until they reach that age, they will go in and out of heat all winter
long every 17 days thru the cooler spring temps. Hair sheep on the other hand can breed
thru out most of year. Not recommended during really hot time of year. Hope this helps.

 

[SheepGirl]

I have never seen ewes mount each other as a sign of heat. The only ewe I've seen mount another ewe is my ewe lamb Katy Perry and she's been doing that to her sister since 2 weeks old. Ewes are very subtle in their signs. Really the only SURE way to know is if the ram is present. If the ram isn't trying to get to the ewe, the ewe will be standing near the ram as close as she can get. Another way to tell is, like what Bridgemoof said, their vulva will be puffy/swollen.

 

[EllieMay]

I really cannot tell when my ewes are in heat.
And I don't do the up-close-and-personal check of the vulva either.
When my ewes mount each other, it seems they're being more playful than anything else.
Of course, if they ARE in heat, it seems logical that they'd mount each other at that time, too.
Sheep are just so much fun to watch!!

 

[Roving Jacobs]

I have a wether out with my girls and he always seems to know

When they're in season I've found they do a weird tail waggle and spend all their time trying to get over to the boys' pasture or just staring at it longingly. Some of them also get a bit more vocal. I'm glad they don't stay in heat for long because the wailing gets old fast.

 

[EllieMay]

I have a wether out with my girls and he always seems to know

 

[Southdown]

My ram is constantly nudging the girls on their sides, almost like he's asking them if they're interested. Usually they are not and run away from him when he nudges. But when they are in heat, they will not run away when he nudges and grunts at them. Instead, they will stand still with their heads down and allow him to mount. It's only for a few seconds, but repeatedly for about 24-28 hours. After that, it's back to running away again. As for the girls mounting, I only have young lambs that mount as playing around with other lambs. I don't believe that has anything to do with sexual activity, but rather just horsing around.