Sheep FarmingMar 15, 20266 min read
How Long Are Sheep Pregnant? Gestation by Breed
Sheep are pregnant for 144 to 150 days depending on breed. Learn exact gestation lengths for Suffolk, Merino, Dorset, Cheviot, and 8 other breeds.
Read guideThe Shepherd's Library
Sheep Farming Guides
Practical guides on lambing, ewe health, breed selection, and flock management, written for working shepherds.
All Guides, 11 articles
Sheep Farming6 min
Signs a Ewe Is About to Lamb: What to Watch For
Learn the physical and behavioral signs that a ewe is ready to lamb, from udder development days before birth to the final hour of active labor.
Mar 2026Read
Sheep Farming6 min
How to Prepare for Lambing Season: Complete Checklist
A step-by-step lambing season preparation guide covering supplies, feeding, pen setup, and health management, 8 weeks before to lambing day.
Mar 2026Read
Sheep Farming6 min
Suffolk vs Dorset vs Merino: Which Breed Fits Your Farm?
Compare Suffolk, Dorset, and Merino sheep on gestation length, lambing rate, wool production, and management requirements to find the right breed for your operation.
Mar 2026Read
Sheep Health5 min
Twin Lamb Disease (Pregnancy Toxemia): Prevention and Treatment
Pregnancy toxemia in sheep, also called twin lamb disease, kills ewes in late pregnancy. Learn the causes, early signs, treatment, and how to prevent it.
Mar 2026Read
Sheep Health7 min
7 Common Lambing Problems and How to Handle Them
From malpresentation and ringwomb to hypothermia and mismothering, here are 7 common lambing problems, how to recognize them, and what to do.
Mar 2026Read
Sheep Farming6 min
Flushing Ewes Before Breeding: Does It Really Work?
Flushing, increasing ewe nutrition before breeding, can raise lambing rates by 10–25%. Learn how it works, when to do it, and which ewes benefit most.
Mar 2026Read
Sheep Farming6 min
Sheep Nutrition During Pregnancy: Feeding Your Ewes Right
A practical guide to feeding pregnant ewes from breeding through late pregnancy, covering energy, protein, minerals, and how litter size changes requirements.
Apr 2026Read
Sheep Farming6 min
Setting Up the Perfect Lambing Pen: Step-by-Step Guide
How to design and set up lambing pens (jug pens) that protect ewes and lambs, support bonding, and make your lambing season easier to manage.
Apr 2026Read
Sheep Farming6 min
Ram to Ewe Ratio: How Many Rams Does Your Flock Need?
The standard ram-to-ewe ratio is 1:25 to 1:35. Learn how breed, age, terrain, and breeding system affect how many rams you need, and how to manage the breeding season.
Apr 2026Read
Sheep Health5 min
Colostrum for Newborn Lambs: Why the First 4 Hours Are Critical
Colostrum is a newborn lamb's first line of defense. Learn how much to give, when to give it, and what to do when the ewe can't provide it.
Apr 2026Read