Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Homemade Creep Feeder

We have been looking for something that will allow the lambs easy access to feed but keep the ewes out. Easier said than done. Those sheep are very intelligent when it comes to sneaking food. The ladies get fed grain along with hay. The lambs don't stand a chance. The feed is gone before the little ones can push their way to the trough. Like so many farms, we have plenty of scrap wood around the barn. Ted was busy one morning while I was at work. He called with excitement in his voice and told me it was finished. I said "what was finished"? He described our new creep feeder over the phone. I just couldn't picture it in my mind. I couldn't wait to get home and see his creation. This is our new creep feeder. It isn't fancy. It didn't cost a fortune, but it serves a wonderful purpose. The grain is in small refillable feeders on the back wall. The lambs can go in and eat without having to fight off ewes. It isn't that the ewes are hungry. Sheep will eat until they die. Like goats, they just don't stop.

What a great design. The top has a door, complete with hinges to make refilling the feeders easy.


Please don't tell the lambs but it will soon be time to wean. No more mama's milk. They will be separated into the new pasture. I will post pictures of the new shelter tomorrow. Busy times here on the farm. Much Love and Prayers from Mainely Ewes Farm.

8 comments:

Paula said...

That's an awesome creep feeder, Kelly! It's so sad when they have to be weaned.... I hate to hear them cry like that.

Lisa said...

Yeah Ted! Great job! Hmmm....maybe you have a sideline business here???? :)
Lisa

Kelly said...

Paula, I it breaks my heart to hear the lambs cry. Lambert just got moved to the barn and he is having a fit. He thinks he is a house lamb.
Lisa, I don't know what I would do without Ted. I love the earrings.

Marigold said...

Oooo. That's creepy. And, by the way, wait just a goat darned minute! Goats are far more intelligent than sheep and we know when to stop eating. Well, except for Boo, but MOST of us know.

Phelan said...

Very cool!

What you don't want a dog/lamb? (dog/goats rock hehe)

Michaele said...

Very cool idea. Hope the moms don't tear it up trying to get at the grain. Looks very strong though.

Rain said...

Great job Ted!! you're very like my maintenance man-he can come up with something out of scraps of odds and ends he saved over the years-cause was "too good" to throw out!! Oh the little lambkins will be unhappy for a few days!! I remember that well!

Anonymous said...

Okay, I've got to show this post to hubby and tell him I have next year's project for him to start now (it'll take him that long to finish it). That is great! We are getting ready to wean also. I have to warn the neighbors...