[Jacob-list] round bale users

[messen at socket.net]

I use large bales and small bales.  I start off the season with large 
bales and switch to the small bales as the sheep get closer to lambing.  
The reason for this is that the small bales are a higher quality.  There 
is more waste with the round bales, but there is less cost per pound of 
hay, so I think the big bales still are more efficient. 
I have used hay feeders for big bales with mixed results.  The eating 
pattern of a sheep will result in a mushroom looking bale.  They eat from 
the bottom up.  This means that the bottom get smaller than the top and 
the bale can fall over.  I had a ewe get killed when the bale fell over 
and caught the ewe between bale and feeder.  I now knock the bale over if 
it is getting too top heavy.  The only bale feeder that I have that solves 
this problem is one that holds the whole bale off of the ground in a 
cradle.  The sheep actually eat from under the hay.  This feeder works 
well, but leaves the fleece very messy.  If you use the cradle feeder past 
November, you will never get the hay out of the fleece. 
Large bales are easier and last longer than square bales, but yoiu will 
have to get a bale spear fo your tractor. 
----------------------------------------------------

>From : Ralene Mitschler <rmitschler at gmail.com>

To : jacob-list at jacobsheep.com
Subject : [Jacob-list] round bale users
Date : Sat, 21 Jul 2007 16:17:05 -0400

> Howdy Listers

> 

> I know I have seen this issue discussed before but don't remember the

> answers.  Given the dry weather in my area (PA) looks like there won't

> be a second  hay cutting.  SO I am researching whether to feed round

> bales rather than the small square bales I have been using.  I know of

> at least one person who does that; I think they just have the bale

> outside on the ground.  It seems like I remember the sheep get messier

> but I am not sure that is an important criterion versus having to hay

> feed from now through next year (worst case scenario of course)...

> 

> any info would be welcome re what kind of storage options and feeders

> options there are for horned sheep.

> 

> I have a big barn and outbuildings to store in but probably single

> layer if I can put a little forklift on my old John Deere tractor.  I

> understand too that orchard grass weights lots less than alfalfa

> (something like 650-700 lbs vs 1100 lbs).  Does that sound about

> right?

> 

> thanks for any info y'all can send

> Ralene

> 

> -- 

> Ralene Mitschler

> Chicory Lane Farm Jacob sheep

> www.blueflowerflock.com

> 687 Oxford Ave

> Hanover PA  17331

> rmitschler at gmail.com

> 717.630.2988

> 717.817.3794 cell

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