As promised, here is a complete list of what my Dorper sheep eat in the winter. This is what I feed my sheep in the winter when I remove them from pasture and confine them to a winterized barn. I rarely have to confine my sheep. However, winter storm URI blew through and buried our pasture in 9″ of snow. For this reason, I pulled my Dorper sheep off pasture and fed them in a warm, shedded area for about a week.
Here is what I fed my 26 Dorper sheep every day while they were in their winter housing. This is a ration for my BREEDERS, not my eaters. Our beef and lamb for market is grass fed entirely. The pellets and grain I feed my breeder ewes disqualify them from a grass fed to finish program. This is fine because their purpose is to breed, not to be eaten.
WHAT DO MY 25 SHEEP EAT IN A DAY?
(Images below. All items purchased from my local Atwoods store.)
2 square bales of hay.
20-25 lbs of 13% All-Stock pellets.
1 Mineral Block (Free choice. Will last much more than a day)
1 Ranch Pro 18% Protein Block (Free choice. Will last much more than a day)
I hope this helps you!
-the Shepherdess
“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
Andrew smith says
Thanks. Love your video’s!
They are very informative.
What size is your square bales of hay. Also what is in your bales,
(Timothy, clover, ……….)
Thanks again
Harmony Shepherdess says
Hi Andrew! Thanks for commenting! I feed the standard square bales. I have never measured but I just Googled it and they gave me these dimensions: 16” high x 22” wide x 44”
I just buy standard square bales from tractr supply and haven’t asked much about the content. The ones I bought today have Bermuda Grass in them. Because I am in Texas I only feed maybe 1 month’s worth of hay… I haven’t perfected the art of sourcing hay, but will try to include it ion one of my videos if I ever do :).
Hope this helps!
-the Shepherdess
Jessica says
The Shepherdess,
You have no idea how much you have helped me get ideas, and resources to be a sustainable tiny ranch with our sheep. Thank you so very much!
Steve says
Does this breed of sheep eat lavender?
Harmony Shepherdess says
I don’t Have lavender in my area, so I can’t say!