Domestic Sheep Mating Habits

by Wildlife Adm November 05, 2023

Domestic sheep are polygynous and a group of females is generally mated by a single male. They are seasonal breeders, although some are able to breed throughout the year. In feral sheep, males may fight during the rut (mating season) to determine which individuals may mate with females. Females usually give birth to a single lamb or sometimes twins.

The gestation period usually lasts around 5 months. Newborn lambs are able to stand within an hour after birth and shortly after that start nursing. Young females usually become reproductively mature at six to eight months of age, and males - at four to six months of age.