Flock grazing strategy

[wbow14]

What is the best way to manage the land/flock I have - especially over winter.

I’m new to sheep. This year I’ll have approximately 35 ewes & 2 Rams. I have access to land which is split into the following sizes: 1/2 acre, 1acre, 5acre and 15 acres.

Last year I was overstocked at 50 ewes and wet weather really didn’t help. That said, I don’t think I managed things vet well. Rams went on the 1/2 acre. Triplet carrying ewes went on 1 acre where I fed extra silage and nuts (still had twinlamb problems). The remaining had full access to the 5&15 acre fields which are next to each other. As lambing neared, ewes were closed into the 5acre with bales and moved into the 15 acre once lambed so I could keep track of what was going on.

Given the flock and available land, how would you manage things? Any advice gratefully received.

 

[Al R]

Rams on the 1/2 acre, singles on the 1 acre and fed some silage, twins and triplets on the 15 fed whatever you give them.. 2 weeks before lambing put the twin and triplets in the 5 acre, when the lambs are 2-3 days old put them into the 15 acre. Also put the singles into the 15 acre as they lamb.

 

[wbow14]

Rams on the 1/2 acre, singles on the 1 acre and fed some silage, twins and triplets on the 15 fed whatever you give them.. 2 weeks before lambing put the twin and triplets in the 5 acre, when the lambs are 2-3 days old put them into the 15 acre. Also put the singles into the 15 acre as they lamb.

Thanks. I’ll give it a go. Concentrates for the singles or just hay and lick?

 

[AvonValleyFarmer]

Thanks. I’ll give it a go. Concentrates for the singles or just hay and lick?

No concentrate for the singles. Unless they lack milk, then a high quality ewe nut for a fortnight before hand. But preferably no hard feed.

 

[Al R]

Thanks. I’ll give it a go. Concentrates for the singles or just hay and lick?

I’d not want to give them anything other than straw and hay/silage.... you want singles slim for easy lambing.

 

[AvonValleyFarmer]

I’d not want to give them anything other than straw and hay/silage.... you want singles slim for easy lambing.

I wouldn't even want to feed silage, I'm sure the lambs get too big on fresh air

 

[Al R]

I wouldn't even want to feed silage, I'm sure the lambs get too big on fresh air

True, I lock my singles inside on silage only for 7 weeks after scanning and then the twin lamb cases will start appearing and they get put out onto grass for 8 hours a day for a few days before lambing, I do expect 80% of my singles to rear 2 lambs mind

 

[wbow14]

Thanks for the advice.