[Richfergy]

Morning all :-) - just after some more fab advice!
I have 5 Ryeland Ewes (hopefully pregnant and due at the end of March / early April) a Ryeland tup and Wally the cross breed Wether! lol
My paddocks are very very wet with very little grass on so the sheep have had access to the lambing shed and I have been feeding them hay and ram/lamb mix daily through the bad weather.  I will ensure hay access every day - but wondered at what rate / level / amount I should be feeding the coarse mix?  In addition - will the coarse mix be enough for the ewes or should I buy special ewe feed.  I am not keen because that means hassle of seperate feeding or booting Billy and Wally out :-) but want to make sure I get them right.
As usual really appreciate any comments, feedback or insights
Thanks in advance
Richard
 

[thenovice]

Im not trying to scare you, but a couple of things to be aware of. Watch the ram during feeding times if he is in with the ewes. They can get a bit butty with the ladies trying to get at the grub. Also, feeding too much hay and mix can lead to problems like lambs too big (hands on delivery), and prolapse (it has happened to me). Good luck 

[Marches Farmer]

We're 7 weeks off lambing and I've just begun supplementing the ewes with an 18% protein ewe roll - 50g twice a day at first, to avoid problems with the rumen.  I then increase in increments, depending on the condition of the ewe and how many she's carrying.  A wether will happily munch away at anything you care to put in front of the ewes and put on too much condition, as well as butting them away and possibly causing damage to the in utero lambs. 

[goosepimple]

Dan and Rosemary may come along soon, they keep/breed Ryelands, or perhaps they have something on the home page of this website or in the diary section which may help you.