PureCountry said:
Just curious, and I'm sure this may turn into a debate like we all have with cattle breeds, but for those of you running sheep, what breeds do you have the best experience with at lambing? Which are the best mothers that you don't have to babysit around the clock?
We have only been doing this for about 4-5 years so we are by no means the pros - but so far this is how it seems to be at least for us.
We run a base flock of Rideau Arcotts that do well in our part of the world and the good thing is they can breed in any month and give you multiples.
We cross them with Dorsett to get a bit of size to them.
We terminal out with Texel - lambs have small pointy heads and torpedo shaped bodies so they come out easy - even on a small ewe - big growth to about 80 pounds.
We have found that the Rideaus are decent moms and they tend to be able to handle the confusion of twins, triplets and quads.
We have a couple hundred of the little devils on this place and keep the flocks as separate as possible - and lamb out about 4 times a year - usually January, April, September and December - all of the lambs pretty much hit the sale barn at about 70 pounds.
Best Moms?
So far it is the Rideau Arcott.
Best lambers?
The straight Rideau Arcott
Our Dorset cross seem to do well but once in a while we have to go in and fetch a leg up.
Over all though I would say there is not truly a difference if I look at those with twins or less. Just when you get into bigger numbers do we actually see the difference start to show. That is where the Arcotts seem to shine.
Cull, cull, cull and those sheep can make you money - especially if you throw the bad moms out and keep the good ones.
Freezing rain today - big time - school buses are cancelled and I am not driving to work this morning.
I have to dig snow to get through to the hay today - cows will be looking for their feed and so will the sheep.
Someone please ask God and Mom Nature to stop this weather and get Spring started - I am definitely ready.
Best to all
bc