🐑 Life of a Sheep
1. Birth and Early Life (0–3 months)
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Gestation: Ewes (female sheep) are pregnant for about 5 months (145–155 days).
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Lamb: Usually, a ewe gives birth to 1 or 2 lambs at a time.
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Newborns: Lambs are able to stand and walk within minutes after birth.
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Nursing: Lambs nurse their mother’s milk for 2–3 months.
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Bonding: Strong bond forms between ewe and lamb(s).
2. Juvenile Stage (3–12 months)
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Weaning: Lambs are typically weaned by 3–4 months.
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Growth: Lambs start eating grass and hay and grow quickly.
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Socialization: Lambs join the flock, learning social hierarchy and communication.
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Play: Play-fighting and running help develop strength and coordination.
3. Adulthood (1–6 years)
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Maturity: Sheep reach sexual maturity at about 6–8 months but usually bred at 1 year.
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Reproduction: Ewes breed seasonally and give birth once a year.
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Wool Production: Sheep are shorn (wool removed) once or twice a year.
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Behavior: Sheep are social animals, forming close-knit flocks with strong flocking instincts.
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Diet: Mostly graze on grass, hay, and other vegetation.
4. Senior Years (6+ years)
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Aging: Older sheep may become less active and more prone to illness.
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Lifespan: Average lifespan is about 10–12 years, though some live longer.
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Care: Older sheep may need extra nutrition and health care.
🌍 Habitat and Range
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Domesticated worldwide, especially in grassland and mountainous regions.
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Well adapted to diverse climates, from temperate to arid.
⚠️ Threats and Challenges
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Disease (foot rot, parasites)
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Predation by wild animals
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Poor nutrition or harsh weather conditions
🛡️ Care and Importance
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Sheep require proper nutrition, shelter, and regular health checks.
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Important for wool, meat (lamb and mutton), and milk (used in some cheeses).