Why does a sheep stamps its hoove agressively to the ground when you try to approach its lamb?

Question

Is it an act of fear or an act of self defence to protect her lamb?

Answer 1

You got kids it would be like someone came in to your House and try to take your kid off you.  If it was me id try to stop them. That is all the sheep is trying to do. My partner works on a dairy and sometimes the cow will charge you if you try to take the calf off them that is a bit worse than a sheep.

Answer 2

It's a sign that means make another step or i'll kick your dumb a-s-s! Lol It's a self defence or fear that you might take their lamb away from them cook it and sprinkle it with mint sauce! yum!

Answer 3

its saying back off or i will kick your ar se

Answer 4

Garnet is right, it is a mild act of aggression, mostly to alert her lamb and the other sheep in the flock. I've seen deer do the same thing and they have no idea about charging. The sheep might become aggressive to protect her lamb, but it is not to likely.

Answer 5

Sheep stamp their hoof has a warning, and an alert signal.

It signals all the other adult sheep nearby to PAY ATTENTION, that a predator, or something bad this way comes.

It warns the lamb to stay close to mamma, because they may have to flee.

It is a mild warning to the human or predator approaching the lamb.  The ewe may charge and butt you, but she is much more likely to run away.

~Garnet

Homesteading/Farming over 20 years

Raised sheep off and on