October 21. 2013

19th Century Weaving Loom

Another lovely trait of the Finnsheep breed is that in addition to having litters of lambs, they are capable of breeding all year long.

The ram lambs can breed a mature ewe at 16 weeks of age ( ask me how I know! ) and the ewe lambs can have their first offspring by 12 months of age, making their first breeding at 7 months.

For a small homestead looking to have animals for their own needs as well as some to sell, this provides a very quick way to increase the flock and generate income.

For commercial flocks who want to add Finnsheep genetics to increase lambing percentages, Finns offer the ability to lamb twice in a 19 month period of time and still retain body condition and fleece quality.

We have had one ewe here who gave us triplets, quadruplets and triplets again in 19 months. Ten lambs in just over a year and a half. All the lambs thrived, and the fleeces from this dam were beautiful.

We have learned from more experienced Finnsheep shepherds, that the best diet for them is grass, or hay when grass is unavailable.
Ewes only get grain in the last four weeks of gestation and the first four weeks of lactation.

Rams never get grain and I suspect this may help to eliminate the incidence of urinary calculi often found in grain fed rams.

Because the Finn ewe can carry so many lambs, as they grow she has less room for roughage and the addition of grain allows for necessary nutrients during that time when she cannot take in enough grass/hay to provide all she would need for herself and her young. I've found this to be the best arrangement for our flock.

We do not creep feed lambs here, but they become familiar with grain as they sample from their dams feed dishes and within no time, can be persuaded to do almost anything for that little treat of grain.

As if they aren't already easy enough!

Regards,
Kathryn