Sheep Gestation Calculator
Calculate sheep lambing due date and monitor ewe pregnancy with 147-day gestation timeline
Calculate Sheep Lambing Date
Enter successful breeding date
Leave blank to use today's date
Select your sheep's breed
Example Calculation
Typical Sheep Gestation Example
Sheep breed: Suffolk Ewe
Mating date: January 3, 2025
Gestation period: 147 days (≈5 months)
Expected lambing date: May 30, 2025
Lambing window: May 25 - June 4, 2025
Expected litter: 2-3 lambs
Calculation
Lambing Date = Mating Date + 147 days
Lambing Date = January 3 + 147 days
Lambing Date = May 30, 2025
Range: 142-152 days for most breeds
Earliest Lambing: May 25, 2025 (142 days)
Latest Lambing: June 4, 2025 (152 days)
Signs of Approaching Lambing
Udder Development
2-4 weeks before
Udder enlarges and becomes firm
Behavioral Changes
1-2 days before
Restlessness, seeking isolation
Physical Signs
Hours before
Vulva swelling, mucus discharge
Lambing Preparation
Prepare clean, sheltered lambing area
Increase nutrition 6 weeks before lambing
Complete vaccinations 4-6 weeks prior
Monitor closely in final weeks
Have veterinarian contact ready
Sheep Breeding Facts
Breeding Season
Typically autumn (fall), some year-round
Estrus Cycle
16-17 days, receptive 24-36 hours
Typical Litter
1-3 lambs, varies by breed and age
Understanding Sheep Gestation & Lambing
Sheep Gestation Period
The gestation period of sheep is typically 147 days (about 5 months), ranging from 142-152 days depending on breed, nutrition, and environmental factors. This consistent timeline allows for predictable lambing schedules in commercial and hobby operations.
What is Lambing?
- •Lambing is the process of a ewe giving birth to lambs
- •Labor typically lasts 2-6 hours for normal births
- •Ewes usually give birth to 1-3 lambs per pregnancy
- •Peak lambing occurs in spring for fall-bred sheep
Calculation Formula
Lambing Date = Mating Date + 147 Days
- Average Gestation: 147 days (≈5 months)
- Normal Range: 142-152 days
- Breed Variations: ±3-5 days from average
- Environmental Factors: Nutrition, stress, weather
Lambing Management
Successful lambing requires proper nutrition during pregnancy, pre-lambing vaccinations, and adequate shelter. Ewes can breed twice yearly due to the 5-month gestation period, but proper recovery time is essential.
Breeding Tip: Most sheep breeds have natural breeding seasons in autumn, with lambing occurring in spring when conditions favor lamb survival.