I would like to breed from my sheep, when is the best time of year to breed?
Soay and Boreray naturally lamb later than most of the commercial breeds. Lambing would usually take place in April/May (Soay), March/April (Boreray), although my earliest lamb arrived on 23rd February.
Gestation time for a ewe is approximately 147 days. If you put the ram to the ewe on Bonfire night (5/11) lambing will be on April Fools Day (1/4)
The best time would depend on your circumstances. The earlier lambing takes place, the longer period for the lambs to grow before winter. If you are in a cold area you may want to put off lambing until good weather can be expected, and withdraw your ram from the ewes until 147 days before the earliest lambing date you want.