| LAMBING INFORMATION |
| The Painted Desert Ewes normally have plenty of milk for even multiple births. Although most ewes don't have udders as big as the ewe pictured to the left the painted desert sheep is known for ample milk supply for their lambs. Some painted desert ewes have udders that would put a dairy goat to shame. But as in any breed be sure to watch newborns of multiple births to make sure all lambs are getting ample amounts of milk. Even if the ewe has plenty of milk, In some cases the stronger and larger lambs will keep the smaller lambs rooted out from meals making them weak. Be sure to supplement weak lambs if need be. |
Moondust Ranch
| Heat lamps help when lambing in extremely cold conditions |
Watchful Ewe
| Owner checking newborn |
| Lambing jugs are useful to help ewes and lambs bond after birth. They are very useful for first time moms for the first couple of days to help them to bond to her lambs and she can keep up with all lambs easily. |
| LazyJV Ranch |
| Sybaritic Time |
| Sybaritic Time |
Moondust Ranch
| Triplets are common with this breed. |
| Bentley Farm |
| Cheyenne Farm |
| PAINTED DESERT SHEEP- Lambing Abilities |
| Ewe giving birth to lamb while caring for the first lamb born. Painted Desert Sheep have a very strong mothering instinct. Lambs are up quick and nursing, and following mom within a very short time. |
The Painted Desert Sheep is considered to be an 'out of season' breeder. They
do not necessarily breed in the fall and lamb in the spring like most other
seasonal sheep breeds do. They can possibly lamb every 6-8 months if kept with
a ram year round. Some ewes have been known to give birth with in 5 months of
lambing which means they were bred shortly after giving birth and while still
nursing lambs. Flocks should be managed as to giving ewes a break now and
then and removing them from the rams so they can recoup from lambing and get
back into shape before being bred again if they tend to breed back to quickly.
Lambs can be weaned at 8 weeks of age if properly conditioned for this and
eating well on their own, but most breeders tend to leave lambs with ewes for up
to10-12 weeks of age. Due to the fertility of these sheep, when weaning, all ram
and ewe lambs should be separated by 3 months of age to prevent any unwanted
breeding of young lambs. There has been incidents of rams breeding at 4
months of age, and ewes conceiving at an early age also. So separation of ewe
and ram lambs are very essential. Do not leave ram lambs over three months
old with your ewes of any age. And do not leave ewe lambs with your flock if you
have an adult ram in with them. Possibility of breeding at a young age is very
likely, and this could make lambing difficult for ewes breed to young. Ewe
lambs need to be at least 8-9 months old before breeding the first time. Make
sure your young ewe is of good size and body flesh to carry lambs if you plan to
breed her at this young age.
do not necessarily breed in the fall and lamb in the spring like most other
seasonal sheep breeds do. They can possibly lamb every 6-8 months if kept with
a ram year round. Some ewes have been known to give birth with in 5 months of
lambing which means they were bred shortly after giving birth and while still
nursing lambs. Flocks should be managed as to giving ewes a break now and
then and removing them from the rams so they can recoup from lambing and get
back into shape before being bred again if they tend to breed back to quickly.
Lambs can be weaned at 8 weeks of age if properly conditioned for this and
eating well on their own, but most breeders tend to leave lambs with ewes for up
to10-12 weeks of age. Due to the fertility of these sheep, when weaning, all ram
and ewe lambs should be separated by 3 months of age to prevent any unwanted
breeding of young lambs. There has been incidents of rams breeding at 4
months of age, and ewes conceiving at an early age also. So separation of ewe
and ram lambs are very essential. Do not leave ram lambs over three months
old with your ewes of any age. And do not leave ewe lambs with your flock if you
have an adult ram in with them. Possibility of breeding at a young age is very
likely, and this could make lambing difficult for ewes breed to young. Ewe
lambs need to be at least 8-9 months old before breeding the first time. Make
sure your young ewe is of good size and body flesh to carry lambs if you plan to
breed her at this young age.
| Watchful Mother |