The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: oink on March 08, 2011, 03:31:21 pm

Title: not enough grass?]#
Post by: oink on March 08, 2011, 03:31:21 pm

Hi all,  I have just under 4 acres garden but 1/2 acre of that is a lake and 2 1/2 acres are wood, leaving only a little over 1/2 an acre of grass.  I'm in Northants and am surrounded by cattle farmers (although I assume they use fertilizers so that probably has little bearing on my ground).

Basically what I'm wondering is if I have enough land to fatten maybe 3 lambs?  I could let them have access to the whole garden but I'm guessing this wouldn't be that much help as there's only weeds and ivy in the woods.  I do have an electric fence but I'd prefer to just let them roam.  The perimeter of the garden is secure.

Thanks for any help, I'm thinking my place may be better suited to goats or geese but as I love lamb so much  I thought I'd ask your advice.

Thanks again

Title: Re: not enough grass?]#
Post by: shrekfeet on March 08, 2011, 03:41:10 pm

yes you should have enough land providing you only want to keep them during the growing season - ie March - November at the latest. Rest your ground in the winter and start again the following spring. Should be fine

Title: Re: not enough grass?]#
Post by: oink on March 08, 2011, 03:49:16 pm

Thanks a lot guys for the quick response.  Fattening a couple of lambs it is then  :sheep: :sheep: :sheep:

Title: Re: not enough grass?]#
Post by: shep53 on March 08, 2011, 08:13:56 pm

since you say it is a garden and woodland and sheep will try everything google plants poisenous to sheep there are quite a few  YEW  RHODERDENDRUM  LIBERNUM   etc, common but killers

Title: Re: not enough grass?]#
Post by: shrekfeet on March 08, 2011, 09:35:23 pm

just to be clear - you should be fine with 3 lambs - that was your original question as I understand it