The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Connor on November 02, 2013, 10:54:31 pm
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There is a very large field behind mine more that 10 acres will two sheep be fine on it??
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They will be fine but it's way too much land for two sheep. "Average" stocking rates are 5 ewes and lambs to the acre, depending on how good the grass is, the season, the type of ewe etc etc so if all you are going to do is keep two sheep on it, it's a bit of a waste.
Also if you let them have 10 acres, they will graze selectively, they won't keep the grass down and they'll poop all over. Probably better to make a small paddock or two to keep them contained.
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Agree with Rosemary. I'd strip graze so they munch effectively. Start out with a half acre or so and move fence as they start to get low. Don't wait until they've nothing left or they'll do 'the grass is greener' thing that sheep are renowned for.
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I'd suggest that youd barely notice 2 ewes had been on 10 acres, strip grazing seems an awful lot of hassle for two, I imagine the local rabbits would eat the grass down faster...
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I was thinking of dividing it up into smaller paddocks with electric polywire would that work?
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However you divide it up, I don't think two sheep can eat 10 acres worth of grass and if it's not grazed or cut, the quality decreases.
You might be better making a couple of small paddocks for the sheep and have the rest cut for hay, which you could either use for your sheep in winter or sell as a cash crop.
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The grass has been grazed on by cows in the last week
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Be careful with grazing sheep on ground behind of cattle. I know of someone who grazed behind cattle and suddenly had massive worm problems (they never had problems before with regular FEC done)
Are the cattle wormed?
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Be careful with grazing sheep on ground behind of cattle. I know of someone who grazed behind cattle and suddenly had massive worm problems (they never had problems before with regular FEC done)
Are the cattle wormed?
I thought cattle and sheep worms were species specific? That's why folk graze multiple species - because it reduces the worm burden.
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cattle and sheep worms are specific .... mixed grazing is used to reduce worm burden
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cattle are wormed and its realy only to feed them over the winter they will meal aswell
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cattle and sheep worms are specific .... mixed grazing is used to reduce worm burden
Thank you :relief:
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Sorry I meant from fluke!
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Sorry I meant from fluke!
:thumbsup: Now I get you :-)