Breeding season has begun. We put the rams in with the ewes on Monday, December 1st. We now are running three groups of sheep: a group of ewe lambs that will not be bred, and two separate groups of ewes with a different ram in each group. The rams will stay in with the ewes for the month of December which should ensure that each ewe goes through two estrus cycles. When the ewe is in heat she will allow the ram to mount her. When she is not in heat, she runs away from him very quickly. It is immediately obvious who is in heat and who is not!
Sheep gestation period is 147 days. We breed them now so that the lambs will be born in May. The lambs are born outside, on pasture and we want it to be fairly warm and for there to be plenty of grass for them and the mommas when they come into the world. I am already excited for lambing season. When I look back at the pictures of the lambs, I can't believe how amazingly cute they were.

In other news, we have a new guard llama. He is very alert and very exotic. He is currently on duty with the ewe lambs and one breeding group. I will get some pictures up soon. He doesn't have a name yet, and we are very open to suggestions!

Coming next week: 400 Black Sex Link chickens. Our laying herd should be 600 hens strong next year which means eggs a plenty.