[mijbil]

I have two Herdwick ewes, and two x 3 week old lambs.  I am trying to get the lambs to start on creep, with little success, for two reasons.

I have built my own lamb creep feeder which the ewes can't get into (I couldn't afford to buy one with just 4 sheep!) The problem is, the lambs won't go in there, when I put them in they just run out again. So I've been trying to introduce them to creep in the field, which is impossible - the ewes simply butt them out of the way and then gorge the lot, despite having their own ewe nuts as well.

it doesn't help that the lambs don't seem to be interested in the creep feed at all - is it too early?

Do I need to separate them out for feeding each day? Seems a little extreme.

Any ideas greatly appreciated!

[Melmarsh]

Hi! At three weeks it probably is a little early, if you are feeding the ewes you will observe when the lambs start to pick up their feed. Feed the ewes close to your creep feeder and natural curiosity will take over. That's what I would do , others will let you know what they would do and you can decide for yourself. Good luck. 

[SallyintNorth]

We switch from ewe rolls to a 'finisher' feed - midway between creep and 'adult' sized nuts.  The lambs copy their mums and get on eating it.   Then, once they know what it's all about, if you want you can set up a creep area for them.

[Bionic]

I'm not experienced but I do as the others have suggested. Give the ewes a little bit of feed and when the lambs start to show an interest set up a creep area for them. You will be surprised how soon they get the idea.
I did put them into the area to begin with so that they knew where to find the food but now mine race me to the creep area when they see me out with a bucket 

[shep53]

Wondering why you feel the need to creep herdwick single lambs they should cope very well on grass and milk or somethings wrong .

[Me]

Shep! I was going to say that but being as they made the creep feeder themselves decided it was too miserable! 

[shep53]

Just tight when it comes to spending if no need

[Herdygirl]

Just tight when it comes to spending if no need

Yea me too 

[Fleecewife]

Wondering why you feel the need to creep herdwick single lambs they should cope very well on grass and milk or somethings wrong .

I don't feed my lambs any creep feed or coarse mix through the summer.  They do fine on ewes milk and grass.  I thought creep feed was just for orphans  .

[mijbil]

Thanks everyone, interesting thoughts, I was only feeding creep as I read it was the right thing to do for weaning. They are not short of grass and bouncy as you like, so I guess I will let them build their curiosity, I'm thinking they are probably getting enough milk and therefore don't really have much appetite.

[SallyintNorth]

You need bottle-fed lambs to be eating creep when you wean them, usually at about 6-8 weeks although some do it sooner.

With a lamb on grass with mum, you wouldn't be weaning before 12 weeks, mostly of us 16-20 weeks if at all, so no need for creep at this stage.

When/if you do wean them, it is usual to put them on very good grass.  Depending on the time of year and what your grass is like, you may decide to give them a little cake at that point, or maybe not until later / autumn - or if your grass is good, and you have good hay too for after Christmas, maybe they won't need cake at all.

[Azzdodd]

Mine don't get any milk and grass best diet mine are all April born singles and are about 20-25kg now