A sheep can indeed be female. In fact, an adult female sheep is commonly referred to as a ewe. The term “ewe” is pronounced as /juː/ and is used to specifically denote a female sheep. So, if you come across someone talking about a ewe, they are referring to a female sheep.
On the other hand, an intact male sheep is called a ram. While you may occasionally hear the term “tup” being used to refer to a male sheep, “ram” is the more commonly used term. Rams are known for their large horns and are often associated with strength and dominance in the sheep world.
If a male sheep has been castrated, meaning its reproductive organs have been removed, it is then called a wether. Wethers do not possess the ability to reproduce and are often preferred for certain purposes such as meat production or as companion animals.
When it comes to young sheep, they are referred to as lambs. Lambs are the adorable baby sheep that are often associated with their soft wool and playful nature. As they grow older, lambs eventually develop into either ewes (female) or rams (male).
A sheep can be female, male, or young. The specific terms used to refer to them are ewe for a female, ram (or occasionally tup) for an intact male, wether for a castrated male, and lamb for a young sheep. Each term carries its own distinct meaning and is used to differentiate between the various genders and stages of a sheep’s life.