The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: jheard on July 06, 2016, 07:37:47 pm

Title: Lamb feed
Post by: jheard on July 06, 2016, 07:37:47 pm

Hi everyone

We have just got our first 3 Ryelands (lovely guys!!). They'll let us get about 1m away but no closer so we're looking for a dry feed just to give them as a treat for coming to a rattling bucket. Any advice on a good feed available in bags <20kg and either available online or around the York area? They are still young lambs, just weaned from mothers.

Thanks all  :sheep: :)

Title: Re: Lamb feed
Post by: Old Shep on July 06, 2016, 07:56:32 pm

I would get down to your local agri merchant they are often located at auction marts. Then ask them what lamb pellets they would recommend. Its good to build up a relationship in the store because often they are a good source of info.

Title: Re: Lamb feed
Post by: Buttermilk on July 06, 2016, 08:33:34 pm

York area there is BATA at a few locations http://www.bataltd.co.uk/stores (http://www.bataltd.co.uk/stores) good not only for feed but all the other must haves that go with sheep.  I feed grass nuts as a come here treat to mine, I get them from Northern Crop Driers at Melbourne airfield, Seaton Ross if that is your side of York.

Title: Re: Lamb feed
Post by: Marches Farmer on July 06, 2016, 09:23:07 pm

I note you mention "guys".  Beware of feeding rams nuts meant for ewes as these can cause urinary calculi.  If the lambs aren't banded I suggest giving feed on the floor as otherwise they'll butt you for food as they grow older.

Title: Re: Lamb feed
Post by: jheard on July 09, 2016, 06:07:59 pm

Thanks. I have some lamb weaning feed from BATA to use in small amounts but will bear your comments in mind Marches Farmer - I hadn't thought of that.

Cheers all