The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Hillview Farm on May 01, 2016, 06:57:43 am
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I posted on another forum with no real reply.
Just checked my rams and noticed one was slightly blown. Puffy behind his ribs but otherwise he was fine and acting normal as he was butting me out of the field. They have mag and been out all winter and grass just growing to them now.
Went to the ewes and lambs who I turned out a week ago and what are the odds, three or four puffy blown ewes. Again they have mag out.
What is causing this and what can I do? We put fert out a few weeks ago if that makes any difference?
Do I need to start panicking?
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Most likely fertilizing the grass has given it a boost and they are eating much richer feed than they are used to.
You could try restricting their access to that grass, by strip grazing, having them in and feeding hay or straw to fill them up before they get to graze it.
If you're concerned about the bloating it would be worth treating those that look tight with vegetable oil and bicarbonate of soda to settle the gases.
Hope they feel better soon!