Lambs in spring feel like nature’s timing, and for most sheep it is.
It starts in autumn
Most breeds of sheep only come into season as the days shorten in autumn. That’s when the rams go in with the ewes: farmers call it tupping. Some farmers put a coloured crayon on the ram’s chest, so they can see which ewes he’s been with.
Five months to wait
A ewe carries her lambs for about five months (around 147 days). So ewes tupped in October lamb in March.
Why spring is best
By the time lambs arrive, the grass is starting to grow again. A ewe feeding one or two lambs needs lots of good food to make milk, and spring grass is the best there is. The lambs are big and strong by the time the winter weather comes back round.
Scanning in between
In the winter, the ewes have an ultrasound scan, just like a pregnancy scan for people. It tells us which ewes are carrying one lamb, twins or triplets, so we can feed each of them just right.