[Jacob-list] alfalfa pellets

[Joy Thomas, SonRise Farm]

If your ram was born in January, he most likely would
have been old enough to breed in August. Takes Jacobs
about 6 months to mature. (I learned this lesson when
I first got my Jacobs! <grin> Figured they would not
breed, ram too young! Suprise! Had lovely lambs that
spring!)

I don't shear my ladies before lambing -- just trim
the wool around their backends (keeps them tidier
after lambing and makes it easier for me to watch for
signs of pending labor and delivery <especially with
my non-Jacobs, Jacobs just seem to "pop em out"
without help) and udders (makes it easier for lambs to
find teats not clumps of wool to suck on).  Have
"trained" my sheep to be sheared on a grooming stand.
Easier for my back!

Lambs gain most of their weight during the last 5-6
weeks of gestation. Bagging (filling of udder) also
begins about 5-6 weeks prior to birth. When their
backsides are "bright neon pink" (as one of my first
sheep friends, Mary Ellen, used to tell me when I
started) you know things will happen soon!

I would suggest getting a copy of the book "Managing
Your Ewe and her newborn lambs" by Laura Lawson. It
has a blue cover. I found it MOST helpful my first
couple of lambing seasons.  

Another thing to remember is rams are NEVER pets! Do
not hand feed them treats. Treat them with respect and
know where they are at all times.  If possible, I
would suggest separating the ram from the ewes. That
way, when your ewes lamb, you can concentrate on them
and not be concerned about where your ram is, what
he's doing, him trying to protect his flock (from
you), etc.

Keep us posted! I love lamb reports!

Joy T


            Joyce M. Thomas 
Son Rise Farm & Rabbitry, Creedmoor NC
  
  Home of The Fiber Flock
  www.shepherdofspots.com 









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