No. Sheep do not generally reject their lambs because they are born in winter. University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension describes winter and spring as normal lambing seasons and discusses housing ewes with their newborns to establish maternal bonds.
The EU CAP Network's SheepNet guidance explains that a ewe learns to recognize her lamb shortly after birth, especially through smell and close interaction. Separation or interference from other animals can disrupt this process and lead to rejection, regardless of a simple calendar rule.
Winter does create additional challenges, including exposure to cold, snow and rain. Those environmental risks are distinct from maternal rejection. Individual ewes can reject lambs, but that does not establish that winter-born lambs are rejected as a general biological behavior.
Winter birth does not automatically cause rejection; maternal bonding and cold exposure are separate issues.
University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension
The university guide identifies winter and spring as normal lambing seasons and describes housing ewes with their lambs to establish maternal bonds. This contradicts generalized rejection of winter-born lambs.
Based on: University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension
EU CAP Network / SheepNet
The practice abstract explains that early scent recognition and interaction establish the ewe-lamb bond. Separation, interference and unfamiliar odours can disrupt recognition and acceptance.
Based on: EU CAP Network
University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension
The guide describes shelter requirements for winter lambing to protect newborns from snow, drafts and cold rain. These environmental hazards are distinct from a claim of automatic maternal rejection.
Based on: University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension
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