How to separate rams from ewes seems to be handled differently by many producers. Factors that impact decisions on whether to separate rams include: housing, increased labour, size of operation, number of rams owned and decisions on breeding. Additionally, if decided that it’s best to separate them, an added factor includes whether or not you have a handling system.
On our farm, we have chosen to house our rams separately from the ewes except during sheep breeding season. We currently have 6 rams for our 300 sheep operation. All 6 rams are kept indoors but in a completely separate barn from the ewe groups.
Our main reason for separating the rams from the ewes is to develop a managed lambing period. We lamb during March and May. These months are very busy with producing maple syrup in March and planting crops in May. Therefore, we need to be able to manage this lambing timeframe efficiently. If we allowed the rams to stay in with the ewes until lambing then we could potentially have an ongoing lambing timeframe. We don’t want to be lambing continuously from spring through summer months because we don’t have the housing or manpower to manage this.
Additionally, we cannot be concerned with the rams charging us unexpectedly when in with the lambs or ewes.
Can Rams be kept Alone?
A Ram should have a companion. Sheep are flock animals, and should never be left alone. It is advisable to own more than one ram. Sheep are social creators. This can be seen in our video by how they follow one another.
Are rams dangerous to themselves and other rams?
If you are using two or more rams, do not put the rams with their ewe groups where they can “touch” each other at the fence line or gate.
Rams have, battered each other through fences and gates, and have been killed this way. If they are going to be in adjoining areas, create a “dead space” between them. Creating visual barriers with tarps or boards so that rams cannot see each other also helps. [2]
How to Separate Rams from Ewes
Be careful when putting rams back together. When reintroducing rams to each other, we have a small area in a separate barn that is just big enough for them to stand up and turn around. We leave them in together so that they can get used to each others’ smells. They will want to head butt each other as they re-establish the hierarchy. Keeping them in tight quarters prevents them from backing up and really being able to hit each other hard. [2]
Watch this video to see what we mean.
We will gradually increase the size of their pen once they settle down. The pen will have sufficient room to exercise and maintain general fitness. [3]
See How We Seperate our Flock
Rams Need Straw Bedding
During a normal Canadian winter, rams need enough straw or other bedding to ensure that their testicles are not frost bitten. This can be more of a concern if rams are outdoors in winter. They may not need a roofed shelter, but they do need protection from the wind. [3] Straw bedding provides an ideal environment for them to lie down.
