As the leaves turn and the mornings carry a chill, it’s time to shift focus from summer grazing to the upcoming breeding season. Whether you’re new to shepherding or have a well-established flock, the work you do now will help ensure healthy pregnancies, smooth lambing, and strong lambs come spring.
Autumn preparation is a mix of observation, and making sure our ewes are in their best condition before the breeding groups are put together. Here’s our step-by-step checklist for preparing ewes for breeding season.
1. Assess Body Condition
We start by checking each ewe’s Body Condition Score (BCS) on a 1–5 scale:
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- 1 = Very thin
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- 3 = Ideal
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- 5 = Obese
We aim for a BCS of 2.5 to 3.5. Underweight ewes may struggle to conceive or carry lambs to term, while overweight ewes can face lambing complications. Adjust feed now so ewes are in the right range before the ram is introduced.
2. Check Mineral Support
Minerals play a big role in fertility. Our Icelandic sheep receive:
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- Free-choice loose minerals formulated for sheep
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- Kelp meal for natural iodine and micronutrients
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- Loose salt (never blocks—these can limit intake)
If you live in a selenium-deficient area, work with your vet or extension agent to supplement safely. Selenium supports reproductive health, while copper—given in correct amounts—is important for overall vitality. We give a selenium & vitamin E paste during our pre breeding health check to each ewe and the rams. Our area is very low in selenium so this is of great importance to our flocks overall health.
3. Monitor Parasites with FAMACHA Scoring
Instead of routine fecal tests, we use FAMACHA scoring to monitor for barber pole worm (Haemonchus contortus). This simple, visual check of the lower eyelid color gives a quick indication of anemia, which is often caused by parasite load.
Ewes showing pale eyelids are treated promptly, while those with healthy pink coloring are left untreated. This targeted approach helps prevent dewormer resistance and ensures our flock stays strong. Prevention is the ultimate goal!
4. Trim Hooves & Check Soundness
Healthy hooves mean strong movement during breeding. This is the time to:
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- Trim overgrown hooves
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- Look for signs of lameness, abscess, or foot rot
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- Treat as needed with natural hoof sprays or other remedies
5. Consider Flushing
“Flushing” means boosting energy intake 2–3 weeks before and after breeding to encourage ovulation. While not necessary for all flocks, it can be helpful for older or thinner ewes. On our farm, this might mean:
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- Access to lush pasture
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- A little extra high-quality hay
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- Small portions of alfalfa pellets
6. Prepare the Ram
Healthy rams are half the equation.
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- Quarantine new rams for 2–4 weeks
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- Check his hooves, weight, and general health
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- Use a marking harness or raddle to track breeding activity
For lambing in late March to early May—we introduce the ram in October. Mark your calendar 142–145 days from breeding day to estimate lambing.
Breeding season is more than just turning a ram in with your flock—it’s the result of careful, intentional preparation. By tending to minerals, parasites, hooves, nutrition, and ram readiness now, you’re giving your flock the best possible start to the next generation.
Autumn is a season of intention. The care we give now is an investment in the thriving future of our flock.
