Lambing shed.

[Crex]

Hi folks

I'm looking for peoples thoughts on the best size and layout for a new lambing shed for 120 ewes. I've had a look through past threads and got some ideas, but I've never lambed sheep inside, so I've no idea what's best.

Few considerations, It would be for Cheviots, very exposed site, so feeding on the outside of the building is a non starter, poly-tunnel is probably a no go as may want to use for cattle at other times of year. There is a feed wagon on site to put feed along a barrier, possibly better that bales in rings as less wastage/easier for ewes to pull apart? Is 15ft square enough space per ewe? 5 X 5 individual pens?

I've no idea how the economics of putting up a shed for that small amount of sheep works, but it's not for me and I'm not paying for it so I'm not too worried.

Any thoughts much appreciated.

 

[GTB]

Four 20' bays divided into four pens with walkthrough troughs. 40 ewes to a pen. Pens need to be approx 24' deep (3x8' walkthrough) with feed barrier along front. Then you need a 12' feed passage and some space on the other side for your individual pens. 5x5 or 6x4 is ample. We use 6x3 but double up to 6x6 for triplets.

 

[GTB]

 

[hubbahubba]

View attachment 446280

How many are in there and size of shed? Where are the mothering up pens?

 

[GTB]

How many are in there and size of shed? Where are the mothering up pens?

It's a 180 X 60 with a 180 X 40 lean to. 36 pens of 40+ ewes. Individual pens in an old barn nearby. We also build pens in that shed as the pens empty.

 

[Cab-over Pete]

View attachment 446280

They look happy there.

We are planning having several dozen sheds like that. For the small flock anyway....

 

[TALDLONKTUP2]

Hi folks

I'm looking for peoples thoughts on the best size and layout for a new lambing shed for 120 ewes. I've had a look through past threads and got some ideas, but I've never lambed sheep inside, so I've no idea what's best.

Few considerations, It would be for Cheviots, very exposed site, so feeding on the outside of the building is a non starter, poly-tunnel is probably a no go as may want to use for cattle at other times of year. There is a feed wagon on site to put feed along a barrier, possibly better that bales in rings as less wastage/easier for ewes to pull apart? Is 15ft square enough space per ewe? 5 X 5 individual pens?

I've no idea how the economics of putting up a shed for that small amount of sheep works, but it's not for me and I'm not paying for it so I'm not too worried.

Any thoughts much appreciated.

for 120 ewes I'd go for 60' x 30' three bay shed with two ring feeders, no pen subdivisions, concrete panel sides up to about 4-5ft open above with eaves overhang for shelter. Turf out 2nd and 3rd weekers at lambing to free up space and make 10 or 15 4' x 6' pens. If there's a chance or an intention of expansion in time, then better to go for 45ft wide portal and two 20ft bays with room to add more bays as required. I don't like small pens and groups, central feed passages or enclosed sides myself. I suspect they may be the cause of many of the common criticisms of in wintering, but it must be stressed, that's just my opinion and may well be nonsense!

 

[Wishful Thinker]

I'm no help...
But build it for 240, plan ahead, I've yet to master it

 

[Crex]

I'm no help...
But build it for 240, plan ahead, I've yet to master it

I like your thinking. Would be surprised if the budget will stretch that far.

 

[Benr]

View attachment 446280

Do you carry the silage up the walk through by hand?

 

[GTB]

Do you carry the silage up the walk through by hand?

No, walkthrough is for cake only. Silage is fed along the front barrier only with a straw chopper.

 

[GTB]

They look happy there.

We are planning having several dozen sheds like that. For the small flock anyway....

I heard you were the Bernard Mathews of the sheep world.

 

[Cab-over Pete]

Well, you know how it is.

Success breeds success.

Just on the verge of lambing our big lot here. It's a bit daunting to think I've got 10 to get through, but I'll push on.

 

[Sheep92]

Heres our two sheds, fed meal and silage in passage and walkthrough feeders, both sheds are 60 by 90 each pen is 24 by 30 and holds 80 sheared ewes comfortably make sure you have plenty of feed space, also we have lambing pens at back of the old shed which is handy