Paddock grazing sheep early in spring

[will6910]

Iv started lambing my flock last week and let first ones outside today. Really want to try to make the best off grass again. Have electric fences already got and used last few years. My question is, is it better to start ewes and lambs on paddocks soon as they be let out in spring, some fields have more shelter than others in the paddocks, or let ewes graze whole fields until there is more growth and start to paddock graze then

 

[Woolless]

Might be best to try a quick, light graze of everything to start with. For the last couple of years, following the example of smarter folk than me, I have had the ewes on a pre-lambing rotation for most of March before they start in early April. This light, early graze actually stimulates the grass to grow and is 'free', as well as eliminating the need to feed concentrates.

 

[will6910]

I have grass cover on most fields at moment as been rested since end October or early November a lot off them.if I grass whole fields first time round I wonder will that make lambs easier or harder to respect electric wire

 

[AngusLad]

In my experience you're better to let the lambs get a bit of age about them before you start on regular shifts. The stress and upset of trying to find mother etc every couple of days doesn't do them much good. I generally don't start until 3rd week in may. Just my experience though.

 

[will6910]

In my experience you're better to let the lambs get a bit of age about them before you start on regular shifts. The stress and upset of trying to find mother etc every couple of days doesn't do them much good. I generally don't start until 3rd week in may. Just my experience though.

Paddocks iv used last few years usually lasted them 4 or 5 days then move to fresh one. Very little acres so fields all pretty close together in one block as such. I’d like idea off grazing while field for abit as in my head it gives them more options to find shelter in bad weather where as if I have field spilt in half it limits their options on a bad night when they younger

 

[Woolless]

In my experience you're better to let the lambs get a bit of age about them before you start on regular shifts. The stress and upset of trying to find mother etc every couple of days doesn't do them much good. I generally don't start until 3rd week in may. Just my experience though.

Good point. My quick flash round is done without lambs at foot.

 

[Derrick Hughes]

Grass grows quicker when you have leaf cover , I would defo start with the paddocks if its not to much work

 

[Bury the Trash]

when at birth and with very young lambs a Ewe wants a bit of space and peace and quiet ,just standing back and observing them teaches you that .

never mind with the trendy ideas for a minute and look / see / do what is best for the animal as a stockman as that never changes and hasn't since keeping livestock began .

 

[AngusLad]

Good point. My quick flash round is done without lambs at foot.

I'm planning on doing similar this year. Hoping it will kick things into life quicker

 

[will6910]

Thanks all. I think Il do abit off both. The few fields with less hedge protection I might graze whole thing then have paddocks set up some more. Doesn’t take long todo as fields aren’t the biggest

 

[berisford]

When is it safe to start grazing red clover ley in spring without damaging the clover,the grass is well overdue for grazing but the clover has not really growing yet

 

[AngusLad]

When is it safe to start grazing red clover ley in spring without damaging the clover,the grass is well overdue for grazing but the clover has not really growing yet

Stock it hard with sheep for a day or two to knock the grass back. They won't damage the clover as long as you don't graze it bare or for too long