Sheep Hay for Winter??

[IndianOak]

Hello: I need to get some hay for the winter. I have Southdown Babydoll lambs that are about 7 months old right now. They are not market lambs, but are next years breaders. What kind of hay do you suggest I get? I'm in Virginia and most of what I see is Orchard Grass/Fescue mixes, also some orchard grass/alfalfa mixes.. Thanks

 

[Mini Horses]

I use orch/alfalfa when I can get it. But good mixed grass is fine. Personally I stay away from fescue as much as possible.

Much has to do with whether you feed anything else. I use the orch/alfalfa for nursing does (goats) and mixed grass for others....bucks & grow outs. I generally have some limited pasture & browse into early Dec. Weather usually good enough.

What area in VA? I'm a little SW of VA Beach.

 

[secuono]

I found mine gobble up 2nd cut orchard hay like candy. Very little waste.
No matter the type, very leafy and soft is best.
Alfalfa mine hated, maybe yours won't.

 

[IndianOak]

Thanks. Leaning towards the OG/Alfalfa mix. They seem to love the Alfalfa but I don't want to give them too much of it. They also gobble up the OG as long as it isn't too stemmy...
We are about an hour west of Petersburg.

 

[SageHill]

Mine get all alfalfa. But I'm in So Cal so that could make a difference.

 

[Poka_Doodle]

I'm not super far into the whole sheep thing, but mine are getting cow quality hay, and whatever scraps we have laying around. We also grow our own hay in Wyoming and our sheep gobble up whatever we give them.

 

[Leo Vance]

You’ll want to keep it pretty simple for 7-month-old Babydolls since they’re future breeders, not market lambs. A good quality orchard grass or orchard/fescue mix works well and keeps protein moderate. If you go with orchard/alfalfa, make sure it’s not too rich. maybe mix it in gradually or feed small amounts.
The main thing is clean, mold-free hay.

 

[Baymule]

You’ll want to keep it pretty simple for 7-month-old Babydolls since they’re future breeders, not market lambs. A good quality orchard grass or orchard/fescue mix works well and keeps protein moderate. If you go with orchard/alfalfa, make sure it’s not too rich. maybe mix it in gradually or feed small amounts.
The main thing is clean, mold-free hay.

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