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SHEEP-fed-barely-sprouting-fodders, page : 48
The rest period of a paddock varies depending upon climate and season. In early spring it can be as short as 7 to 10 days, while in summer it may take as long as 45 days. During the spring grass grows rapidly and you can move your flock from one place to another without concern, the best way is to let your sheep graze 20 to 30 percent and then move them on to the next paddock to take advantage of the lush environment.
PADDOCK MANAGEMENT
If possible try not to let the grass grow too high before bring your sheep to the paddock, because they will trample it down more than eat from it. Grass that has reached a height of 6 to 8 inches (15-20cm) is the ideal time for sheep to be put in a paddock. Sometimes a paddock, especially with the new growth of spring, may get too long, so cut the vegetation for hay or leave the clippings on the field to turn into "green" fertilizer.
The question arises, how many paddocks will I need. When you have a lot of paddocks the time spent in each paddock decreases and the rest period before the paddock is regrazed increases. The best answer is as many as possible with the minimum being four paddocks. If you have enough space eight is better, whereas twelve provides a lot of flexibility and control through all conditions.
Paddocks are best fenced with electric fencing, these barriers do not have to be as heavy or as high as perimeter fences.
ORCHARD MANAGEMENT
A favorite pasture on small farms in humid areas is an orchard, where sheep can take advantage of shade during the summer. However, care must be taken to make sure that the sheep do not consume too much of the fruit that falls to the ground. Needless to say do not let your flock into an orchard with easy, unlimited access to fruit, a sudden change in their diet can cause them to bloat as well as other problems, some of which can be deadly. A general starting guideline is, if there are fewer than six pieces of fruit lying around per animal, you should not have problems, but if the orchard is full of fruit, gather and remove them. You can introduce more fruit gradually over a period of week, soon they will become accustomed to the fruit and consume quite a lot without problems.
Subdivide your orchard with a temporary electric fence in the same way you would use in a pasture. A one acre (0.4 ha) orchard can be divided into three paddocks. If you have an apple orchard gather the good fallen ones and store them. These can be given to the sheep as treats during the winter. An important matter to remember is that an excess of apple seeds, especially the green seeds can be toxic!
Don't forget your trees, they too need protection. If you have
PADDOCK MANAGEMENT
If possible try not to let the grass grow too high before bring your sheep to the paddock, because they will trample it down more than eat from it. Grass that has reached a height of 6 to 8 inches (15-20cm) is the ideal time for sheep to be put in a paddock. Sometimes a paddock, especially with the new growth of spring, may get too long, so cut the vegetation for hay or leave the clippings on the field to turn into "green" fertilizer.
The question arises, how many paddocks will I need. When you have a lot of paddocks the time spent in each paddock decreases and the rest period before the paddock is regrazed increases. The best answer is as many as possible with the minimum being four paddocks. If you have enough space eight is better, whereas twelve provides a lot of flexibility and control through all conditions.
Paddocks are best fenced with electric fencing, these barriers do not have to be as heavy or as high as perimeter fences.
ORCHARD MANAGEMENT
A favorite pasture on small farms in humid areas is an orchard, where sheep can take advantage of shade during the summer. However, care must be taken to make sure that the sheep do not consume too much of the fruit that falls to the ground. Needless to say do not let your flock into an orchard with easy, unlimited access to fruit, a sudden change in their diet can cause them to bloat as well as other problems, some of which can be deadly. A general starting guideline is, if there are fewer than six pieces of fruit lying around per animal, you should not have problems, but if the orchard is full of fruit, gather and remove them. You can introduce more fruit gradually over a period of week, soon they will become accustomed to the fruit and consume quite a lot without problems.
Subdivide your orchard with a temporary electric fence in the same way you would use in a pasture. A one acre (0.4 ha) orchard can be divided into three paddocks. If you have an apple orchard gather the good fallen ones and store them. These can be given to the sheep as treats during the winter. An important matter to remember is that an excess of apple seeds, especially the green seeds can be toxic!
Don't forget your trees, they too need protection. If you have