Sheep Gestation Calculator: Gestation Period of a Ewe

By Hassan Nawaz, Publisher. Updated November 11, 2026.

Enter the breeding date to get the expected lambing date, the normal range, and how far along your ewe is today.

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Expected lambing date
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Earliest normal
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Latest normal
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Today

How long is a sheep pregnant?

Ewes carry for about 147 days, with a normal range of about 142 to 152. Early-maturing meat breeds tend toward the short end, and fine-wool breeds toward the long end.

Lambing date = breeding date + 147 days

When a ram runs with ewes for a full cycle, the first lambs usually arrive about 142 days after the ram goes in, and lambing spreads over 17 days (one heat cycle) or more. Raddle or crayon marks on the ram's harness let you record each ewe's breeding date.

DayManagement
45 to 90Scan for singles, twins and triplets to set feeding groups
105 to 147Raise energy for multiples to prevent pregnancy toxemia
About 120Clostridial booster
Pregnancy toxemia. Ewes carrying twins or triplets need more energy in the last six weeks. A ewe that stands apart, stops eating or seems blind needs a vet urgently.

Sample lambing dates

BredLambing (day 147)Earliest (day 142)Latest (day 152)
Jan 15, 2026Jun 11, 2026Jun 6, 2026Jun 16, 2026
Mar 15, 2026Aug 9, 2026Aug 4, 2026Aug 14, 2026
May 15, 2026Oct 9, 2026Oct 4, 2026Oct 14, 2026
Jul 15, 2026Dec 9, 2026Dec 4, 2026Dec 14, 2026
Sep 15, 2026Feb 9, 2027Feb 4, 2027Feb 14, 2027
Nov 15, 2026Apr 11, 2027Apr 6, 2027Apr 16, 2027

See the lambing season guide for ram turn-in dates and care at birth, and the sheep gestation chart for every breeding date.

Frequently asked questions

How long are sheep pregnant?

About 147 days, ranging from roughly 142 to 152.

When does lambing start after the ram goes in?

Usually about 142 days later, lasting at least one 17-day heat cycle.

How do I know which ewes were bred?

Fit the ram with a marking harness and change the crayon color every 17 days.

What is the gestation period for a sheep?

An average of 147 days, about five months, with a normal window of 142 to 152 days.

When does a newborn lamb need to nurse?

It should stand and nurse within 30 minutes of birth. Dip the navel in strong iodine and dry it.

Reference charts

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Last updated November 11, 2026. Results are estimates for planning. See how we build and check our tools in our editorial policy. Found an error? Tell us.