The choice of feed and the amount to feed are very regional subjects, which is perhaps why people didn't respond. You didn't indicate where you are located, so it is hard to know where to begin.
One option is to use the accepted sheep "condition scoring" to determine what shape your sheep are in. You can see some good illustrations of the various conditions scores and learn how to score your sheep at http://www.case-agworld.com/cAw.IU.framescore.html, which is only one of dozens of sites on the Internet.
I live in southeastern Colorado and we have been in severe drought conditions for almost four years. When my pasture has gone completely dormant, my sheep have free-choice hay (1st cutting) and I give each sheep about 1/2 pound of whole corn in the winter. The corn is not necessary, and it is an added expense. In addition, I think my sheep are probably slightly overfed. During the last two months of their pregnancy, and through their lactation, I also give them 1/2 lb sweet feed, which for me is a custom blend of various grains and dried molasses. Horse sweet feed (ensure it does not contain copper) is usually acceptable and widely available.
Hope this helps.
Carol
At 01:38 PM 1/8/2004 -0500, you wrote:
I'll give this post another subject/title... maybe it'll attract some responses ;-)
I was wondering, as I was looking at my fluffy looking flock... are they fluffy? or are they fat???
How much is "enough"?? How much are "y'all" feeding your flocks?
Carol Elkins Critterhaven Estate Registered Barbados Blackbelly Hair Sheep (no shear, no dock, no fuss) Pueblo, Colorado http://www.critterhaven.biz NEW! Christmas ornaments, stickers, calendars, and more at the Blackbelly Online Store http://www.cafepress.com/blackbellysheep SAVE $5 off a purchase of $50 or more until November 15!
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