Babydoll Ewes
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Lambing & Ewe Management
As a British‑origin breed, Babydoll Southdowns commence their natural breeding season in February and March, with lambing occurring after a gestation period of 138–159 days. At Tanjar Babydolls™, lambs are typically due from July onwards each year. Babydoll ewes may produce single, twin, or triplet lambs, with occasional higher multiples; our stud recorded a set of quads in 2021. The breed is recognised for its excellent maternal qualities, with ewes displaying strong attentiveness and calm temperaments, making them easy to manage during lambing. While our ewes lamb naturally, the cold seasonal conditions at this time of year necessitate moving ewes and newborn lambs into indoor lambing pens. This practice provides protection from adverse weather and predators, particularly foxes, and allows for controlled hand‑feeding to ensure optimal early nutrition for both ewe and lamb. Ewes are generally joined at approximately 18 months of age. Although ewe lambs may enter oestrus as early as 8 months, our hogget ewes are managed in separate paddocks to prevent premature breeding. All breeding ewes receive Cobalt and Selenium pellets and are routinely mineral drenched to maintain adequate vitamin and mineral levels essential for health, fertility, and production. |
Ewes ovulate naturally in response to the shortening daylight that occurs during autumn and early winter. During the hours of darkness, ewes produce melatonin, and when this increases it stimulates hormonal activities that leads to ovulation.
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Babydoll ewes require sound, well‑formed udders to successfully raise multiple lambs. To give every lamb the best possible start in life, we carefully select our ewes for consistent milk production and reliable maternal traits.
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The right Genetics
Healthy, fertile ewes are vital for successful breeding and twinning is beneficial if you want to improve reproduction rates.
Maternal and protective, our ewes care for their lambs from birth right through to weaning at around 8–12 weeks of age. Their strong mothering instincts ensure healthy, confident lambs with the best possible start.
Babydoll ewes registered overseas ?
Reg ASSBA, AABMGS & NABSSAR, 54 cm.
Did you know? Two of our Tanjar home‑bred Babydoll ewes were officially registered with the North American Babydoll Southdown Sheep Association and Registry (NABSSAR) — a testament to the quality, purity, and international recognition of our breeding program.
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NABSSAR Registration Certificate
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NABSSAR Registration Certificate
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