[Jacob-list] sheep memory

[Mary Hansson]

Linda,

I have observed a ewe lamb leaving my flock around 3 months of age and
returning with a 2-month old ewe lamb a little over a year later with
the same scenario in place.  It really made me think twice about what we
do to these family groups when we move them from place to place.  In
this case, the ewe lamb walked into the flock, assumed her mother's
daughter's place in the flock and not a single head was cracked.  The
granddaughter followed right behind her mother without a problem.

I have seen an exaggeration of the same phenomenon with the large Twigg
group I brought in this year.  Even putting a fence between them for
breeding caused lots of stress and apparent distress.  That group just
has not done well with any changes.  You move one, and either they or a
buddy of theirs gets sick and dies......all rather tiring.  

This will be the second time I keep a ram in year-round.  For those of
you on this list a few years, I kept Sir Hugh in when he was getting so
decrepid his final few months.  Noble is in the same category and will
stay with his girls as long as he is around.  Noble is actually much
cooler than Sir Hugh.....what a PLEASANT change in ram attitudes!

Mary Ellen Hansson, ISeeSpots Farm
Jacob Sheep:  Those horny, fuzzy critters
Shop:  Knitting, crochet, spinning supplies
www.iseespots.com (336) 854-6209