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Number Crunching: Why Pregnancy Scanning Matters for Your Flock
For many smallholders, the start of the year brings a key date in the sheep calendar: pregnancy scanning. It’s a moment that can make a real difference to how you manage your flock—and set you up for a smoother, more successful lambing season.
At Chestnut Mill, we’re not vets, but we know the value of practical, expert-supported routines. Pregnancy scanning is one of those tools that, while sometimes overlooked on smaller farms, can pay off in spades when it comes to flock health, planning, and peace of mind.
Why Scan Your Sheep?
Pregnancy scanning isn’t just about knowing which ewes are in-lamb. It’s about giving yourself the information to:
- Manage feeding more efficiently—in-lamb ewes may need extra nutrition, while empty ewes can be managed differently. Explore our Sheep Feed & Accessories for quality options.
- Spot fertility issues early—if fewer ewes are in-lamb than expected, it’s a prompt to investigate, not just for this year but for the future.
- Plan for lambing—knowing how many singles, twins, or triplets are on the way helps you prepare supplies and support for your flock.
How Does It Work?
Typically, a trained scanner will visit your farm and use ultrasound to check each ewe, usually 70–90 days after tupping. It’s a quick, non-invasive process—scanning is done from underneath the ewe’s belly, just in front of the udder. The scanner will note down results, often using a colour code for singles, twins, or triplets (so keep a notebook handy!).
Top tip: Book your scanner early and have your sheep penned up and dry before they arrive. This keeps the process smooth and stress-free for everyone. Stock up on marking sprays and accessories, so you’re ready to record results clearly.
What Do the Results Mean?
For small flocks, results can be a bit more variable than on large commercial farms, but there are some general targets:
- 95% in-lamb rate is a solid benchmark for ewes scanned in-lamb within three weeks of the ram going in.
- Less than 5% barren is the aim.
- The number of lambs per ewe will depend on breed, nutrition, and other factors.
If you’re disappointed with the results, don’t panic. There are lots of reasons for lower in-lamb rates, from ram fertility to nutrition or even the time of year. The key is to use the information to tweak your management for next season. If you’d like to review your feeding approach or need lambing essentials, browse our Sheep Feed & Accessories—you’ll find feed, bottles, teats, colostrum, stomach tubes, and marking sprays all in one place.
Benchmarking and Next Steps
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for every flock, but tracking your own results year-on-year is the best way to spot trends. If you’re unsure about what your results mean, or if you have concerns about flock health, always chat to your local vet or sheep advisor.
Final Thoughts
Pregnancy scanning is a practical, worthwhile investment for smallholders and hobby farmers alike. It takes the guesswork out of lambing prep and helps you look after your ewes with confidence.
If you need supplies for lambing time—whether it’s feed and nutrition, bottles and teats, colostrum, stomach tubes, or marking sprays—Chestnut Mill has you covered. And if you’ve got questions about preparing your flock for a healthy, happy lambing season, our team is always happy to help.
Here’s to a smooth lambing and a thriving flock in the months ahead!