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Maybe it was your dream to own a sheep farm for yourself from your childhood. But family, and life responsibilities got the better of you. You got too busy and this treasured dream was tucked away in a dusty corner of your mind.

But now you have time and resources and want to turn those wooly ambitions into a thriving reality.

You might be imagining yourself surrounded by rolling green hills dotted with fluffy sheep, the gentle clinking of bells a constant melody. Sounds dreamy, right? But before you jump-switch your profession to your childhood goal, there is some planning involved.

Fear not, my fellow shepherd! This guide will be your map to navigating the exciting world of sheep farming. So let’s straight dive into the 7 steps and make you a farming hero! 

Step 1: Research & Plan Like a Pro

You can not randomly spend money and expect a sustainable sheep farm. Making a solid plan is crucial for any farmer to succeed. And yes, a solid plan needs solid research!

• You’ll need to consider the breeds you want to start with [it can be wool, meat, or milk-focused!). Choose the one that suits your goals!  
• Don’t forget to factor in your climate and location – what works in Wyoming might not be ideal for Florida.
• Research local regulations and permitting, some might be the same for Canada but others might be different in the state!
• Always explore potential markets for your future fleeces, chops, or cheese (yes, sheep milk cheese is a thing!).

You get the idea right?

Now, grab your thinking cap and craft a business plan. This will be your roadmap to success, outlining your vision, goals, and the capital you’ll need to get started. 

Think land, equipment, those adorable sheep themselves, food, and any necessary infrastructure. Don’t forget to factor in how much you might earn – this helps ensure your farm isn’t just a baa-utiful dream, but a financially sound one too.

Step 2: Choosing Your Wooly Wonders

What is the most important part of a sheep farm? Sheep of course!

This is Where The Fun Begins – Picking Your Perfect Breed!

Remember what you wanted from your sheep? Do you dream of luxurious wool sweaters? Then Opt for breeds known for their fleece. Craving for delicious homegrown lamb? A meaty breed will be perfect. Research different options, and don’t forget to factor in your climate and management style too!

Not All Sheep Are Equal!

So order your sheep breed from reputable breeders. Remember, healthy sheep are happy sheep, so prioritize their well-being from the start. As your experience grows, you can gradually expand your flock.

Step 3: Land & Infrastructure – Your Sheepy Sanctuary!

You have created a plan, right? Thats great!

Now You Need To Find The Perfect Piece Of Land

Imagine your future flock frolicking – that’s the dream! But first, you must have the ideal amount of land. Make sure to consider how much space your beloved sheep will need to roam and graze happily. Ensure there’s access to clean water and plenty of grazing land to keep your woolly friends joyful!

Land Is Secured, What About Infrastructure?

Now, let’s talk sheepy shelters for those rainy days, feeding troughs to keep them full and happy, and handling facilities for shearing, lambing, and other important procedures. You want an easy feeding experience, right? Then make sure to invest in a high-quality hay feeder for them.

And don’t forget fencing – sheep are escape artists extraordinaire, so secure fencing is a must-have! Remember, you can always scale up your infrastructure as your flock grows.

Step 4: Sheep Care – More Than Just Cuddling (Although Encouraged!)

Your sheep can not take care of themselves, right?

Adequate Food And Water Supply Is A Must!

What do sheep do most of their time? Eating and ruminating. You should provide a balanced diet of pasture, hay, and any necessary supplements to keep them healthy and thriving. You can install bale feeders for easy convenience. Keep their dwelling place clean and make sure they have an abundance of fresh water.

Health Is An Important Factor Too!

Regular health checks and preventive veterinary care are crucial for happy and healthy sheep. Make sure to visit the vets for check-ups and advice every month. (After all, you want your sheep to be healthy right?)

Learning Proper Handling Techniques Is Key!

It ensures your safety and the well-being of your animals. Understanding sheep breeding cycles and lambing seasons is also important. Give extra support and care for pregnant ewes and newborn lambs – they’ll need all the love they can get!

Step 5: Marketing Your Sheep-amazing Products!

Ask this, Who will be the lucky recipients of your sheepy goodness?

Is it the Local consumers or restaurant owners, farmer’s markets, or yarn producers – the options are endless! Develop a marketing strategy that works for you, whether it’s building an online presence, participating in local events, or exploring direct sales and partnerships.  Study the market and make the right choice when selecting a vendor!

Step 6: Keep Learning & Growing (You Know, Knowledge Is Power!)

Remember the following: Never Stop Learning! 

If you ever start to ignore the latest farming innovations, you will soon be left behind.

Whenever you get the chance, attend workshops, and conferences, and connect with experienced sheep farmers. In the world of sheep, there is always a new thing to learn. Use internet resources to stay updated on industry developments and best practices(Because you sheep deserve the best right?).

You do remember that sustainable and ethical farming is your key to success? So embrace practices that are good for your animals and the environment. Being adaptable helps too! You will see market demands and regulations change, So be ready to roll with the blows!

Step 7: Building a Community & Sharing Your Journey

You have successfully started your livestock farming journey, so what do you do now?

Share Your Experience With Your Dedicated Sheep-Loving Community Of Course!

Connect with fellow sheep farmers – they’ll be your biggest cheerleaders and source of knowledge. Online forums, local associations, and networking events are great places for you to start. Share your stories, observe others, and create a healthy community!

Document Your Journey!

Share your story through a blog, social site, or other media. Inspire others to pursue their sheep farming dreams and contribute to the sustainable agriculture movement.

Before We Go,,,

Remember, the path to sheep farming isn’t always smooth sailing, but with dedication, passion, and a little bit of charm (also the 7 steps you just read!), you can create a fulfilling and rewarding life surrounded by your wooly companions.

The well-being of your sheep should be your first priority. That’s why Invest in quality equipment that makes their lives easier and healthier. Take the example of Hayboss feeders, they offer unique solutions for convenient sheep feeding, promoting better posture and reducing hay waste. Explore multiple options and select the one that best suits your farm.

So what are you waiting for? Start your sheep farm for an exciting adventure filled with challenges and rewards. It’s time for you to transform your dream of living among the baa-ing flock into a reality!

We’ve all been there. You know the importance of a healthy and balanced diet for your horse, and hay is a key ingredient. Round bales seem like the perfect solution – convenient, cost-effective, and easy to store.

But then you hit the internet, and suddenly you’re bombarded with a million different feeder options!

In this one-stop guide, we’ll dive into the world of round bale feeders, helping you navigate the features and functions to find the perfect match for your horse’s needs. So why the wait? Let’s get right into it!

Understanding your horse’s feeding needs

Horses are born to graze! Their digestive systems are designed for a slow and steady intake of food throughout the day. Horses are actually designed to be eating for up to 19 to 20 hours per day. Traditional feeding methods often involve limited hay portions at set times, which doesn’t suit their natural way of eating.

Round bale feeders mimic your horses’ natural behavior by allowing them to eat continuously throughout the day, promoting better digestion and reducing waste.

Here’s why round bale feeders are a win-win!

A well-fed horse is a happy horse, and a happy horse means that they are less aggressive and this results in less waste: Round bale feeders let your horse eat at their own pace, just like they would in a field. This translates to better nutrient absorption and less hay ending up trampled or scattered throughout the paddock and your property. More hay for your buck, and a cleaner stall!

● Have time for more important things: These feeders hold a ton of hay, so you won’t be stuck refilling it every other hour. Imagine all the extra time you’ll have for trail rides, grooming sessions, or just relaxing with your fine 4-legged friend.

● Bonus health perks: You can minimize dust inhalation with these feeders, a common issue with traditional feeders. Plus, the constant access to hay might encourage your horse to eat more, which can be beneficial for some horses. What happens in most cases, is the horses will actually regulate themselves as they always have access to their feed.

● Easy on the wallet: Another point is that it is very common that you can get a better deal on large round bales vs small square bales, so to have a versatile feeder such as the HayBoss Feeder, it is not only a smart choice for the health of your horses, but a financially sound choice too.

Choosing the Right Round Bale Feeder: It’s More Than Just Looks!

Finding the perfect feeder goes way beyond just picking a pretty color. Here’s what you need to consider to keep your horse safe and happy:

● Safety First: Your horse’s safety is the top priority. Look for feeders with smooth edges,no sneaky gaps for hooves, and a rock-solid build that won’t tip over easily.

● Built to Last: Invest in a feeder made of tough stuff, like galvanized steel or UV-resistant plastic. These materials can handle harsh weather and curious horse nibbles, ensuring your feeder lasts for years to come.

● Size Matters (and Bale Shape Too!): These feeders come in all shapes and sizes to fit different hay bales. Choose a feeder size that matches your typical bale to avoid hay waste or your horse having trouble reaching the good stuff.

● Easy Does It: Pick a feeder design that allows horses of all ages and heights to reach the hay with ease. Some feeders even adjust to accommodate growing foals or senior horses.

● Weather Woes? No Problem: Consider your climate when choosing a feeder. If rain, wind, or snow is an issue, look for a roof or overhang for protection. Drainage holes are key to preventing puddles, and UV protection is a must in sunny areas.

The standard HayBoss Feeder: A top choice for horse owners

Now that you know what to look for, let’s introduce you to the Standard HayBoss Feeder, a great option that ticks all the right boxes. This versatile option fits any size round bale or even a bunch of small square bales.

The HayBoss features a self-tensioning nylon net with a spring-loaded roller for easy refilling. Built with tough, galvanized steel, it tackles the elements and rough use. Rain, snow, and waste are no worries, and loading is as simple as it gets.

Maintenance and care for feeders

Proper care keeps your feeder lasting longer and your horse healthier. Here’s how to show your feeder some love:

● Cleaning Crew: Regularly remove leftover hay and debris to prevent mold growth. You can use a shovel, broom, or hose to get the job done. Some feeders even disassemble for a deeper clean.

● Maintenance Marvel: Inspect your feeder regularly for loose bolts, cracks, or sharp edges. Tighten those bolts and address any minor repairs right away to avoid major issues down the road.

Final Takeaway: Happy Horse, Happy You!

Choosing the right round bale feeder is not only about comfort. (Although, let’s be honest, that’s a nice bonus!). It’s about creating a safe and healthy environment for your horse. By prioritizing safety, durability, and features that encourage natural grazing, you can ensure your horse has a happy and healthy space to enjoy their hay.

So, there you have it, horse lovers! You’re now equipped to navigate the world of round bale feeders with confidence. Remember, a happy horse is a healthy horse, and the right feeder (like the Hayboss one!) can play a big role in that happiness. Now go forth and conquer those hay piles with ease!

Hay feeders are devices that are used to feed hay to animals. They are made from various components such as wood, metal, and plastic. These are available in several sizes and shapes to fit different kinds of animals and feeding requirements.

There are several advantages to using hay feeders. It can help to reduce hay waste, promote natural feeding behavior, improve digestion and overall health, reduce the risk of respiratory problems, prevent animals from eating dirt and sand, and make it easier to feed animals and clean up after them. Let’s find out more below!

Hay Feeders for Animals

Hay feeders for animals provide efficient and clean access to forage, reducing waste and promoting healthier eating habits, ultimately improving the overall well-being of livestock. Let’s have a detailed look below:

Reduces Hay Waste And Saves Money

Hay is a valuable resource, and hay feeders can help to reduce waste by preventing animals from trampling or scattering hay. Studies have shown that using animal feeders can decrease hay waste by up to 50%. This can save ranchers and farmers a lot of money in the long run.

Promotes natural feeding behavior

Animal feeders allow animals to eat from a more natural position than if they were eating hay off the ground. This is beneficial in improving the digestion of farm animals.

Improves Digestion And Overall Health

Hay feeders can help to improve digestion by preventing animals from eating too much hay too quickly. Animal feeders can also help to reduce the risk of colic, which is a serious digestive problem that can be fatal.

Reduces the risk of respiratory problems

It can help to reduce the risk of respiratory problems by preventing animals from breathing in dust and mold spores from hay that is on the ground.

Prevents Animals from Eating Dirt And Sand

Animal feeders can help to prevent animals from eating dirt and sand, which can cause digestive problems and other health problems.

Makes It Easier to Feed Animals And Clean Up After Them

It can make it easier to feed animals and clean up after them because they keep hay contained. Farmers and ranchers can save a substantial amount of time and work implementing them.

Benefits of Hay Feeders for Farmers and Ranchers

Hay feeders provide numerous benefits to farmers and ranchers, most importantly saving time and money. Let’s take a closer look: 

• Saving time and labor: Hay feeders can save farmers and ranchers a significant amount of time and labor by making it easier to feed animals and clean up after them.
• Reduces the cost: It can help to reduce the cost of hay purchases by reducing hay waste. Animals eat at a steady rate thus resulting in reduced wastage. 
• Improving overall health: Hay feeders can also help to improve the overall health and well-being of animals by promoting natural feeding behavior, improving digestion, and reducing the risk of respiratory problems and other health problems.
• Easier to manage livestock: Hay feeders can make it easier to manage livestock by making it easier to feed animals and clean up after them. Hay feeders can also help to improve the overall health and well-being of animals, which can make them easier to manage.

Different Types of Hay Feeders and Their Benefits

There are many different kinds of hay feeders available in the market, every having its own set of advantages. Some of the most common types of hay feeders include:

• Small hay feeders for individual animals: Small hay feeders are ideal for feeding individual animals, such as horses, goats, and sheep. These types of hay feeders are generally portable and easy to clean.
• Large hay feeders for groups of animals: Large animal feeders are ideal for feeding groups of animals, such as cattle and bison. These hay feeders are normally stationary and contain a significant amount of hay.
• Portable hay feeders: Portable hay feeders are ideal for feeding animals in different locations. Portable hay feeders are typically lightweight and easy to carry.
• Stationary hay feeders: Stationary hay feeders are ideal for feeding animals in a fixed location, such as a barn or corral. Stationary hay feeders are generally more durable than portable hay feeders.
• Slow feeders: Slow feeders are designed to slow down the rate at which animals eat hay. This can help to reduce hay waste and improve digestion.

How to Choose the Right Hay Feeder for Your Needs

To choose the right hay feeder for your needs, you should consider the following factors:

• The size and type of animals: Some hay feeders are designed for specific types of animals, such as horses, cattle, or sheep. It is important to choose a hay feeder that is the right size for your animals.
• Amount of hay needed for animals: Hay feeders are available in several sizes. It is necessary to choose a hay feeder that can hold enough hay for your animals.
• The amount of space available: Some hay feeders are moveable, while others are installed in a fixed location. Make sure the hay feeder you purchase will fit in the available area of your farm. 
• Budget: Hay feeders can cost anywhere from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars. Selecting a hay feeder that meets your budget is important.

Conclusion

Hay feeders offer several benefits for both animals and farmers and ranchers. Hay feeders can help to reduce hay waste, promote natural feeding behavior, and improve the digestion and overall health of your animals.

If you are looking for reliable and quality feeders for your hay and want to get the maximum benefits of hay feeders, I would recommend Hayboss feeders. They have a variety of hay feeders, standard feeders, XL feeders,  round bale feeders, and many more!

Welcome to our new website bringing the best of our old website with new payment services and with new information and videos. We want to inspire and help our farmers to benefit our livestock with the best and most modern technology. HayBoss Feeders™ gives advantage to our environment, our animals, and our farmers.

How we feed our horses matters: After a recent trip to a very large equine expo, I was reminded of the influx of information available regarding the feeding and management of horses. That combined with the mere presence of the spring grass growing threatening to founder my old mare yet again, I have sought out better ways to manage the feeding of my diverse group of horses that not only meets their nutritional and health requirements but also maintains some quality of life.

Evolutionary Background and Modern Challenges

Horses have evolved as grazing animals and thus their digestive systems have developed to accommodate a forage based diet, typically grasses, that they continually graze all day. They have a relatively quick passage rate allowing feed to pass from one end to the other much quicker than say a ruminant, such as a cow. In addition these wild ancestors would graze the lush grass in the summer, put on body condition and then lose condition over the winter as they paw and travel for food and water. Currently there are very few horses that live this life. Several horses face challenges, ranging from limited to no grazing or excessive access to lush pastures, minimal or extensive exercise, and either unrestricted access to feed or limited to one to two meals per day. Additionally, many find themselves housed in stalls, dirt pens, or small fields.

The old fashioned life of moderation is past. As a result we have seen a number of issues develop along with the domestication of horses, Equine Metabolic Syndrome, chronic laminitis, parasites, sand colic, gastric ulcers, behaviour issues (weaving, cribbing, fence chewing etc) only to mention a few. The challenges of the domestic horse are extensive, only a few ideas will be discussed here as they relate to feeding.

Dietary Management for Equine Metabolic Syndrome

In the last few years there has been extensive research on laminits in the horse and what is now known as Equine Metabolic Syndrome. These horses typically require a restricted diet limiting the amount of feed they ingest and often eliminating carbohydrates, particularly non-structural carbohydrates. These horses reside in dirt pens without grass access, receiving their nutrition through measured ‘meals.’ Similarly, horses in small pens or stalls undergo comparable management. When provided with limited amounts of feed during specific daily periods, these horses experience an unmet intrinsic need to graze, potentially resulting in behaviors such as fence/tree chewing or ingesting bedding and other materials from the ground.

The goal should be to increase the number of meals with decreasing the amount fed, difficult in many situations. Feeding more of a less nutrient dense feed is one option. Offering a hay net with very small openings simulates the art of grazing by limiting the amount of feed the horse can gather in each mouthful. This extends the time that the feed is available to the horse each day.

Managing Parasitism and Sand Colic Risk in Confined Horse Housing

Horses housed in a limited area, particularly when grouped with a number of others are at increased risk of parasitism. The majority of parasites commonly affecting horses have a fecal-oral transmission, meaning horses ingest the eggs in the feces during feeding/grazing on the ground and the worms develop inside the horse. These worms then develop eggs which are shed in the feces and the cycle continues. The proximity of horse housing increases the likelihood of a horse feeding on the ground coming into contact with parasite eggs.

In addition, horses housed in areas with sandy soil are at increased risk for sand colic, which can be quite serious, as they ingest sand while eating, the sand builds up in the digestive tract and fails to pass through, thus causing colic. It is thus recommended that horses not be fed on the ground if possible. Feed boxes are one option but need to be safe, maintained and ideally high enough that a horse can’t climb in. And if feeding a restricted diet the competition between horses surrounding one feed box may preclude the less dominant horses from eating enough.

Specialized Feeding Management for Horses

Offering free choice feed to horses in the form of a large round bale is common practice. However, there are a number of horses who struggle with obesity and laminitis who cannot feed this way.Previously, the recommendation was to permit these horses to graze for a maximum of four hours per day, followed by housing them in a dry pen. However, recent research has shown that these horses will consume the same amount of grass in four hours that a horse with full access to grazing will consume.

Thus the “fat and foundered” must remain without grass or free choice hay. Also horses with allergies, heaves, or other respiratory issues will often have worse symptoms when fed this way as the horse’s airway clearance mechanisms that eliminate irritants from the nasal passages function best when the horses head is in a grazing position, not buried in a round bale. For this group of horses, management, with respect to feeding, is key.

Navigating Modern Horse Feeding Challenges

The above mentioned issues are only a few that involve feeding the modern horse. To summarize the goals of feeding:

• Feed multiple small meals per day, grazing if possible for optimal gut health
• Feed up off the ground to reduce sand ingestion and parasite load
• Limit access to bales where horse’s heads are buried to decrease irritants to the airways and lungs
• Ensure a secure delivery method to minimize the risk of injury to the horse.

So given all these challenges and diversity within herds, how can one manage to meet each individual’s needs? Sadly there is no magic answer. With each feeding system there are pros and cons so do your research and find what works for your herd. Newly developed products are now available, specifically designed to address and accommodate these issues. If you have been feeding the same way for years and have recurring issues, maybe its time for a change.

Happy feeding!

– Dr. Melissa Hittinger, Stone Ridge Veterinary Services, LTD.