[morri2]

I have brought my ewe lambs onto the 'home' paddock whilst tupping is taking place.  There is very little grass, not that they can get to any with the snow and ice, but they are not interested in the hay.  I have tempted them with bundles of fine meadow hay (believe me, its good stuff) but no response.  I'm getting a bit worried they're getting enough to eat.  They have ewe nuts  every day and have a lick in the field with them, but they would rather dig around in the wood for bits of dead nettles and stuff rather touch the hay.  I am wondering whether its because they don't know what it is and perhaps they'll come round to it once they can go back in with the older ewes and see them eating it.  Does anyone else have this problem?

[ponyntrap]

MIne werent interested in their Meadow Hay, until they realised they needed a pickaxe to get through the snow and ice, they are eating it now.  Maybe they are eating nettles etc because there is still something to eat?

[shetlandpaul]

stick a ewe in with them for a few days she will teach them.

[daddymatty82]

they all up on there  vits& mins?

[morri2]

I would think they are pretty well nourished - they have always had a lick available as well as ewe nuts - its forage really I'm concerned about.  Sheep cannot live by nuts alone!!  Even if they'd like to, which many would, I'm sure!

[pikilily]

my ewes and lambs were not keen on hay on the ground, yet would happily munch the hay if it was hung in a hay net!! 
Maybe they were not impressed with the hay on the ground pretending to be grass, but the hay in the net was deigned to be a different feed...LOL
emma T

[Bright Raven]

My girls born this year won't eat the hay either.

[chickenfeed]

try straw, when ours walked away from the hay thats what we gave ours, they soon got stuck in.

[morri2]

I've never fed my sheep straw before. Didn't know they'd eat it!  Luckily they are picking at it now.  The snow has been on the ground for long enough for the to realise that's the only 'green stuff' on offer right now.  Can't say they are wolfing it down though, but they don't seem to be losing condition so must be getting enough.  Judging by the replies to this post, I'm not the only one with this problem .  Hope everyone else's sheep are getting the message too.  In future I'll get in some straw as well as hay come autumn.