Feeding suggestions...

SweetDreams

Chillin' with the herd
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Our flock has recently went through and ate its field pasture, and we are now mostly giving them a "sheep mix" from the local grain producer to keep them fat for the winter.
BUT....they eat so much, they are making our grocery bill look tiny!:barnie

So, here's the math....
800 lbs. mix, over 12 days. At about $150. For 67 individuals (38 adults/ 29 lambs- some still nursing)

Any other suggestions as to what we could do to suppliment?

We have rolled field hay available to them- but we are worried about going low protein for the cold months.

Any other grasses or grain mixes to consider, that might help lower their feed bill?

I suggested sell some (esp. young rams we are planning to sell anyways in the spring), but DH worries about making back our current investment.

:idunno


HELP!
 

FarmerChick

Overrun with beasties
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feed hay and don't worry about feeding grain as much.
their bodies do not require a ton of grain....hay is key.
many a critter lives on small grain and big hay thru winter times.
in fact for rumients it is needed and required more than feed mixes.
 

hobbyfarmrookie

Exploring the pasture
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This may sound crazy but how about you see if someone will board some in exchange for a couple of sheep. That way you do not give up your investment but you don't have to feed them all. I would do that with you but I do not have my fence up yet.
 

mully

Loving the herd life
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FarmerChick said:
feed hay and don't worry about feeding grain as much.
their bodies do not require a ton of grain....hay is key.
many a critter lives on small grain and big hay thru winter times.
in fact for rumients it is needed and required more than feed mixes.
I would agree .. only supplement grain 2-3 times a week at the most and then just supplement. I feed my goats very little grain and they are healthy "fat" as goats are.
 

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