The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: moprabbit on October 26, 2012, 10:46:18 am
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I've a shelter in the field for my sheep, but in front of it there is a large muddy area, caused by them constantly going in there!!! In the summer I tried re seeding it but that didn't work.
I wondered if anyone had any ideas as to what I might do?
I can't move the shelter or change the entrance.
Thanks
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Wood chip? (lots)
Cow trak?([size=78%]http://www.solwayrecycling.co.uk/recycled-shop/farmers/cow-trak (http://www.solwayrecycling.co.uk/recycled-shop/farmers/cow-trak)[/size])
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I'm doing an experiment with GrassProtecta (from Boddingtons) round the cow's ring feeder this year. It's not a cheap option but if it means we don't have to wade through thick mud and do ourselves a mischief it'll be worth it. :fc:
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Rubber matting the open weave design that grass grows through. May also be called stable matting-not sure. That may be the solid kind. Some kinky sounding suppliers I got mine from called 'Rubber for You'! Ooer missis ::)
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Pop a load of hardcore there then cover it with a bag of HYDRATED lime...the hardcore and lime together will improve the entrance and sort their feet out over the coming wet scald-y months. And its a cheap otion! Hardcore always available on freeads and Freecycle.
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Temporary solution - a couple of bales (bags) of woodfibre stable bedding. Permanent solution - grass matting. :thumbsup:
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remove the shelter
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Couple of hurdles over entrance to shelter to keep them out.
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An old carpet ?
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we have wood chip around ours and works a treat but we get it free from the local cemetery when they trim there trees and the local church so we can top it up as needed
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Pop a load of hardcore there then cover it with a bag of HYDRATED lime...the hardcore and lime together will improve the entrance and sort their feet out over the coming wet scald-y months. And its a cheap otion! Hardcore always available on freeads and Freecycle.
Agree with Mallows - I've done this with our field shelter and I've nomore problems in fact i made a 8' track to the gate and they lie down on this more than they lie in the shelter....!!!! I do pick up poo on a daily basis (as best I can) so it doesn't encourage grass seeds to grow and then kill off any grass that does once or twice a year.
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Many thanks for all this advice - there are some really good ideas here.