breeding

[shelia]

What's your thoughts on breeding ewe lambs at a young age, born 2-14-15 and 2-27-15 ? We are thinking on breeding starting late August. 

[EmsoffLambs]

I want them at least a full year at lambing. And I have actually seen that they do a little better with another month or two. I try to breed them to lamb at 13-14 months. They tend to lamb a little easier and milk a little better.

[Bosephus]

I agree totally with emsoff if I bred ewe lambs before they would lamb at 13 months they milk very poorly and 13-14 months were almost as good as aged ewes so I would give them an extra month or two

[Picket Fence]

We expose all of our ewe lambs starting in mid October. Usually the older ones stick first. Last year we had 18/21 bred, with 4 sets of twins. We feel that they make better moms this way, rather than waiting until they are yearlings. But the opens still get that second chance because of their genetic value.

[karinfish]

Agree as well.  At least a year old, 13 to 14 months old is better.