The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Ermingtrude on April 11, 2018, 12:18:00 am
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I apologise for another newb question. I am ok with dogs and horses - sheep are relatively new.
I have 3 first time mum's ( Wiltshires) that are now in the barn ready to lamb. The first date they could produce was the 4th April, so got them in early to make sure they settled with the routine of being in, before lambing. I have hay and haylage, and they have sheep nuts and water. They don't seem to be eating the hay or haylage, as they are not getting through it. Am I being paranoid ( I am used to horses - hay is inhaled and just disappears) and they are just eating what they want, and I am worrying over nothing ? The previous sheep ( last years experienced Mums, who all ate the hay fine, and had twins each, all fine ) were ok with it. They seem happy, and are weeing and pooing like normal, and are often laying and chewing when I do a check. They don't act hungry, but I am a worried owner and want to do the best for them, and I am worried I am missing something !
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They probably just need a little time to adjust to the new routine. When they are hungry they will eat. You could offer some molasses mixed with water to stimulate their appetite. The calcium in it is very good for them as well. Worked well for us. Good luck!
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As they get close to lambing they haven't room for bulk so I wouldn't worry at all. They sound just fine from what you have said.
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The closer they get to lambing the less they will eat (not enough room inside to fill their bellies). Check that they are eating at least some of the hay/haylage though. Is it quite stalky? They don't like stalky hay, they will prefer soft fine hay, unlike horses who'll eat anything :). I have that problem with mine - I bought a big round bale recently and it's too stalky for my sheep, half of it is going to waste.
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Sheep are very fussy with hay and just won't touch some stuff.. I'd feed haylage over hay as they prefer it. Put small amounts in their manger and clear away what they've left the next day and replace with fresh (I feed their leftovers to the horses). Sheep often pick through a bale
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My sorted through hay falls onto a clean surface so I just pick it up twice a day and put it back in the racks mixed with a bit of fresh hay. It all goes eventually.
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Thank you all - there was more haylage gone this morning than the first few days, so I think you are all right and that the change of routine, and being close to the end of the pregnancy is most likely. They seem very happy and settled, and the molasses water is certainly getting them interested in the hay/haylage. Now they just need to produce some nice little lambs, before my hair is greyer than they are !