The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Lorrie66 on September 10, 2013, 01:17:56 pm
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Hello there
I have just got my two GFD wether lambs ( 6 months old now) . They are great and I hope settling in nicely!
I had bought from Countrywide some sheep pellets just as a bucket training incentive but having read the label when I got this home it says - do not feed to males. I had asked for a feed that was OK for wethers so I am wondering is this OK and if not what does anybody recommend for a bucket training/hello how are you treat?
Also, I have two but now wondering would 3 be better???? I somehow feel they would prefer another. They will eventually be out with our two horses but probably not for a month or so .
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Wedders are male so feed not ok for them a general sheep mix should do and yes three would be better than two in case you loose one.
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Hi there - you shouldn't feed them the pellets if it says unsuitable for males - they can cause bladder stones which they cannot pass. I use grass pellets for bucket training (they are just pure grass so harmless - you may already have some for the horses?)
Also, when you put them in with the horses, I would set up some electric fence tape to give them a refuge. My sheep are in with a docile little pony who gets on well with them, but the 2 horses will definitely chase and kick them given the chance.
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I think pellets can cause stones and urinary problems for wethers or rams.
We use coarse mix for sheep as our treat for bucket training and also fed this during the winter when the tup was in with the ewes.
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Yes three is a better number than two, and feed a general sheep mix/pellets suitable for both males and females. If you haven't opened the bag you can probably exchange it for another one. Surprised your merchants sold you one that's not suitable for boys...