06/23/2026
Several lambs and all the mature ewes got bumped up a blanket size this past week . I will answer some common questions about putting blankets on sheep . #1 the blankets are to keep their fleeces clean not to keep the sheep warm . They already grow wool to keep themselves warm .
#2 The ewes are shorn in the spring after lambs are weaned . Everyone gets a hoof trim , dewormer if needed and a clean blanket .
#3 no the blankets do not make the ewes hot, by the time their wool has grown about about 2-3 inches we are back to cool weather here in Ohio .
#4 The fleeces I sell are shorn off the ewes about a month before they lamb ( Dec or Jan ) depending on when ewes are due. No they generally do not get cold as they are in good body condition , in a barn and bedded on heavy straw . If anyone shivers a blanket is put back on for a couple weeks . Blankets stay off the ewes while lambing and up till lambs are weaned . The inch or so of wool that grows back is usually very dirty and shorn off and the cycle starts again . Average length blanket stays on is 9 months .
#5 a ewe will use 4-5 blankets in that 9 month window . Yes they are expensive to buy but pay for themselves very quickly . I use Rocky Sheep Coats from Colorado . They have a website .
#6 I use an old Maytag wringer washer to wash the coats . I hang them over a fence and they air dry .
