[thesuffolksmallholding]

Hi,
I have a mixed flock, 4 southdowns and 2 Suffolks, all carrying singles, lambing at the start of February and 5 Suffolk mules lambing in April. They are about to move onto somewhere which grass is incredibly lush, green and rather long. They will have this grazing from now until April.
However, should I be feeding hay?
They've got mineral buckets and have been bolused.

[Dans]

I'm still quite the newbie with sheep but if you're moving them to very lush grass I'd offer a bit of hay. The change in diet can upset their guts and having the option of the extra roughage of hay can help smooth the transition. They'll only eat it if they need it.

Dans

[SallyintNorth]

At this time of year, lush is a relative word .  Though lush in Suffolk is probably a heck of a lot more lush than what I’d have in North Cornwall ;p

I doubt very much they’ll eat hay if there’s good grass to go at, although Dans’ reasoning is otherwise good! 

Personally, as they’ve been bolused and have a mineral lick, I’d probably just move them on and watch out for mucky bums.  If they do get mucky, it shouldn’t last long.

I take it you don’t have the option of putting cattle on for a day or two first, just to take the top off?

[shep53]

Lucky you , the only problem you may encounter is that they get too fit , probably won't touch hay  .   Why if you have bolused them do you feel they need a mineral bucket , they will just excrete the excess  ?