4 December 2007
A Bale A Day
Posted by Richard under: Hay; Ponies and Horses; Sheep; Smallholding .
Between the ten ewes, the tup and two ponies, we are now getting through around one bale of hay per day. There is still some half decent grass around, but as winter has started to set in extra feed is definately needed. As we move the sheep between fields we can see the grass coming back on some of the areas they have grazed previously. We have been paying close attention to some of the winter sheep grazing in fields near us - they have been brought in from some of the hill farmers to graze the lower pastures. They are kept at high stocking levels and fed hay and some hard feed - and although the grass is grazed very short, it is not breaking up the sward and the pasture will return in the spring when the sheep are moved off. I was a bit concerned we were over-grazing, but after checking out the professionals, it seems a that high stocking isn’t too much of an issue as long as you provide plenty of hay.
Our sheep are also getting a bit of hard feed (as are the ponies), and we are also throwing out a protein lick for the sheep in our ongoing efforts to improve their feet. Only a couple of lame ones now…we keep checking.
The other thing we have to keep an eye on twice a day is water…there is always a danger that the buckets or troughs will be frozen in the morning or empty by night. Even with all the recent rain, we need to ensure that the animals have enough to drink. (Note to self: Have to sort out a pump for the old well after the winter).
We have calculated that we have enough hay to last through to the end of March (fingers crossed) - by then the pasture should be coming back strongly.