Author Topic: Hay quality question (Read 1863 times)

princesslayer · « **on:** February 17, 2015, 08:14:42 pm »

Hi,

Looking at the 'Hay in Surrey' post has got me thinking.

My four Jacob's ewes were in a field about 1 1/2 acres, .loads of grass and were grazing and eating the hay I put out for them. It was made year before last, in round bales off our own fields and whilst not musty, didn't smell particularly of anything.

I've moved them to my garden for lambing, so I can keep a close eye on them. They have much less grass available, don't seem to be grazing much and are mostly messing around with the new hay - small bales made locally (not mine) and smells lovely, as if it was just made. They don't seem to be eating much!

They are getting concentrates, about 1/2kg per head per day and have a high energy lick. They are about 4 weeks from lambing.

Is it stress from moving? Not enough grass? Bad hay? Now panicking a bit that they're not getting enough forage!

It's our first time lambing, if it isn't obvious! Thanks.

Rosemary · « **Reply #1 on:** February 17, 2015, 08:17:18 pm »

Ours eat less hay as the level of concentrates rises.

Marches Farmer · « **Reply #2 on:** February 17, 2015, 08:25:59 pm »

Don't forget that as the lambs get bigger the space available for feed is reduced.

princesslayer · « **Reply #3 on:** February 17, 2015, 08:35:28 pm »

Quote from: Rosemary on February 17, 2015, 08:17:18 pm

Ours eat less hay as the level of concentrates rises.

Yes that makes sense - when they arrived I finally weighed it properly and gave them a bit more as a result, so maybe they just don't have room for much. They do look like they've swallowed a couple of beach balls, and are likely to all have twins.