Author Topic: Mineral lick for sheep (Read 4339 times)

laurelrus · « **on:** August 18, 2014, 05:01:48 pm »

Hi,
When we got our Ouessants the very nice people we bought them from gave me lots of helpful instructions including giving them a yellow mineral lick, which we have done, we bought a yellow Rockies lick.
They don't seem to be touching it though, so now I'm worrying that they will be missing out nutritionally. Is there another lick that they'd like better?
I have a sticky, treacly lick that I bought for my pygmy goats, I think it's a general horse lick and not specific for goats as I know they need copper and sheep mustn't have it, but they really seem to like it much more than their red Rockies lick which they also have.
Should I give my sheep a similar lick, maybe a stronger smelling treacley lick too? Or will they lick the yellow Rockies if they need it?
Thanks very much

mojocafa · « **Reply #1 on:** August 18, 2014, 06:27:46 pm »

My pygmys and sheep both get yellow rockies

shep53 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 18, 2014, 07:26:52 pm »

Seriously not a fan of any ad-lib minerals ,( most is quickly excreted ) as they have to taste good so the animal eats lots and then we think they need it , rockies are mostly salt yum yum . Your sheep are obviously happy and getting all they need from your grass.

Rosemary · « **Reply #3 on:** August 18, 2014, 08:13:07 pm »

We use yellow Rockies and they do use it. At certain times of the year - run up to and during tupping and around lambing, we use Crystalyx buckets but they are mollassed - the sheep love them; in fact I think some may get slightly addicted - but mine sure don't need the additional calories for most of the year.

Foobar · « **Reply #4 on:** August 19, 2014, 09:55:59 am »

I've stopped using mineral tubs and switched to using Lump Rock Salt (the pink stuff). Its full of minerals and is also a source of salt (obviously). Oh and it's a good Orf preventative.
Stuff like this: [size=78%]http://www.ballofmadley-hereford.co.uk/[/size]
Don't buy the horse ones on a rope (over priced), get a bulk bag (min 25kg). Most agri places will sell it.

babysham · « **Reply #5 on:** August 19, 2014, 10:08:22 am »

My lambs like the mineral yellow lick but the ewes do not bother. I was worried about my ponies licking it as only for sheep but they hate it also $:-\$ I am going to get a red bucket one for autumn and just put in when ponies are stabled at night or one will have a feast

Like the idea of the rock salt for Orf has my 3 bottled ones got Orf this time and passed it on to me

Never thought about not buying the horse ones so great advice received