The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Twotwo on January 02, 2024, 11:00:38 am
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I use straw as a bed for lambing and in mothering up pens, I find it works well and is easy to clear out after lambing but it can get wet when the ewes are in for a while. Does anyone use the dust free type of bedding under the straw. I don’t want shavings as I use it on my garden and need it to rot down quickly. I only have 14 ewes and have to muck out with a wheelbarrow. I already have straw and want to continue using it.
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More straw, or clean out more frequently. Try not to leave them in individual pens for longer than they need to be in there. Lime on the floor before bedding down helps to keep things dry, but lots of straw is best bet.
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I use miscanthus under straw as it absorbant and rots down easily
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More straw, or clean out more frequently. Try not to leave them in individual pens for longer than they need to be in there. Lime on the floor before bedding down helps to keep things dry, but lots of straw is best bet.
Ewes only in individual pens max 2days (unless really rubbish weather!) and cleaned/ washed/ disinfected after each ewe/lamb.
It’s not a problem with amount of straw/ infection etc just for ease of use.
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I’ve seen miscanthus advertised, I’ll investigate further
thank you ☺️
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I’ve seen miscanthus advertised, I’ll investigate further
thank you ☺️
It's amazingly absorbent stuff, but because of that, it's a killer if eaten. So make sure the ewes always have plenty of hay and aren't hungry enough to eat their bedding ;). And I'm not sure I'd risk it with lambs older than a very few days, they start to be inquisitive and try to eat everything from about the fourth day.
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Thank you .. I’ll bare that in mind .. mine sometimes think they are pigs 🐷 🐑🙄 munch munch. Anyone used cardboard bedding ?