Taking stock of the flock.

The rams have been in with the ewes for just over two weeks, so two more weeks to go. We  can therefore expect to be lambing from mid-March. Time-limiting the period the ram is with the ewes means that lambing should be complete within a four week period.  

Of the lambs born this year we have retained two ewe lambs for future breeding. We don't breed from them in their first year even if they have grown well, as indeed the two ewe lambs in question have.  

Two ewe lambs born in March this year who will join
or breeding stock next year.

Towards the end of the summer we sold on a couple of our older ewes. One younger ewe, who proved not to be very maternal towards her lambs two years running, we have culled. One of her twin lambs this year she totally rejected and it had to be bottle fed. Given her history it would have been inappropriate to continue breeding from her. There are a number of shearling ewes who will be breeding for the first time this year. 

Our Wiltshire Horn flock look in good condition so hopefully all will be well with them over winter. The grass is no longer showing much new growth and they are now beginning to eat more hay.