Author Topic: Feeding sheep/Lambs (Read 4801 times)

Sandyknox · « **on:** August 12, 2013, 06:40:13 pm »

Since I first for my sheep in 2011 I have been feeding them bread occasionally when it is too off for us to eat it , I was just wondering if this is a good thing to do or if it is a bad idea to feed them bread

Hillview Farm · « **Reply #1 on:** August 12, 2013, 07:09:41 pm »

I cant see any problems if its in small amounts now and then.

Rosemary · « **Reply #2 on:** August 12, 2013, 07:10:14 pm »

Ours get the odd oatcake as a treat. I don't think it will do them any harm occasionally.

Bionic · « **Reply #3 on:** August 12, 2013, 08:28:16 pm »

Mine love bread but they only get it occasionally and in very small pieces otherwise I think they would gorge themselves on it.

Marches Farmer · « **Reply #4 on:** August 13, 2013, 11:59:12 am »

Not a fan of feeding any class of livestock "treats" nor any "unnatural" feeds. If it's recommended to start introducing specifically formulated and manufactured hard feed at the end of pregnancy at 50g a day so as not to cause problems in the rumen I think it gives an indication of what's desirable.

lachlanandmarcus · « **Reply #5 on:** August 13, 2013, 01:28:22 pm »

I only use oatcakes or other manufactured human food if I have a sheep that is poorly and has already stopped eating, as sometimes stuff like that may be the only thing they will eat and that can be vital. But otherwise I avoid it and just pick dock leaves as treats which they love.

Dougal · « **Reply #6 on:** August 20, 2013, 10:07:10 am »

Ach it's only wheat and yeast. Same stuff as in the bags of feed you buy down the feed merchants. Saves the bread being wasted as well!

bigchicken · « **Reply #7 on:** August 20, 2013, 04:32:34 pm »

My Shetlands like a wee ginger nut yummy yummy.

Anke · « **Reply #8 on:** August 20, 2013, 05:03:37 pm »

Two old Shetland ewes I picked up a few years ago as part of my first bunch of lambs/hogs had been fed a slice of dry toast every day as a treat by their previous owner... I gave it to them occasionally, but the toast had to come out of a rustling plastic bag, otherwise would be ignored... they used to dash across the field when I rattled the bag - good hearing when they wanted to hear! They were over 10 when I got them, both produced a couple of lovely lamb crops (and I still have their daughters) and then had to be dispatched because of old age (not many sheep have a stroke I guess....)

But in general toast with Marmite or honey is reserved for any one sick and not eating as a last resort. Has been known to work!