Time for creep feed?

Blue Sky

Blue Sky

Herd Master
Joined
Jul 3, 2015
Messages
822
Reaction score
2,136
Points
313
My calf is about 2 months old and is interested in the sheep's kibble. I haven't seen him graze or chew cut so I'm not sure about ramen activity. Is it time for feed and how much should he have?
PS we've had calves but this is 'my' first one.
 
Blue Sky

Blue Sky

Herd Master
Joined
Jul 3, 2015
Messages
822
Reaction score
2,136
Points
313
OK thanks. I keep my calf w my sheep and he's grabbing a mouthful of all stock. Should I stop this?
 
WyndSyrin

WyndSyrin

Overrun with beasties
Joined
Jul 13, 2017
Messages
92
Reaction score
71
Points
78
Location
North Central Missouri
Every calf is different. My two boys were sampling feed, hay, and grass at about 2 months. They will really start in on all of that once they get about 3months old. At least that has been from my experience. It won't hurt them to have a mouth full. it means they are curious about it and are behaving like a normal calf
 
greybeard

greybeard

Herd Master
Joined
Oct 23, 2011
Messages
5,940
Reaction score
10,803
Points
553
Location
East Texas
Blue Sky said:
OK thanks. I keep my calf w my sheep and he's grabbing a mouthful of all stock. Should I stop this?
Click to expand...
A mouthful should be fine. To me, creep feeding is using a feeder that excludes all other animals but the target animal and the target animal has access to it all the time. I don't start creep feeding my replacement heifers and steers (beef) until about 1/2 way to weaning target weight, and I get them set up for that by beginning to give them a good quality balanced feed ration 1/day about 1% of their estimated body weight.
(a lot depends how good our grass or hay is too, and your goal for the calf--is it a replacement heifer..a feeder..a dairy type..)
Know and watch for the symptoms of acidosis any time you start feeding grain to calves.
 
Blue Sky

Blue Sky

Herd Master
Joined
Jul 3, 2015
Messages
822
Reaction score
2,136
Points
313
He a mixed breed headed for the freezer. He's had pneumonia but is getting over it. My husband was in charge of the details on the last calves which is why I'm behind the curve. The sheep get fed in the evening and he's started showing interest in their sweet all stock. I don't want him eating something he shouldn't have.
 
greybeard

greybeard

Herd Master
Joined
Oct 23, 2011
Messages
5,940
Reaction score
10,803
Points
553
Location
East Texas
My concern is not so much 'what' the calf is sampling, but how much at a time he has access to.
'all stock' generally means exactly that..it's made for cattle, equines, and goats/sheep but without seeing a sack label, I couldn't say it is either good or bad for the calf's rumen.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Sister Sites

BackYardChickens.com
SufficientSelf.com
TheEasyGarden.com
Top