We had great success in splitting a huge truckload of hay with our neighbors last year. We have sheep and they have horses. This year, they want to buy timothy, which I know is great for horses, but I don't think is so great for sheep. Can anyone help here? Thanks in advance.

-- sheepish (rborgo@gte.net), August 15, 2000

Answers

Any type of good hay is fine for sheep. They will eat Timothy as readly as any other type of hay. But I found for my area of the country, if you want the best wool, alfalfa works wonders.

-- Bergere (autumnhaus@aol.com), August 15, 2000.

Thanks Bergere. I have always fed alfalfa or alfalfa/grass and have been pleased with the wool. I didn't know about timothy, and have always associated it with horses only! SO much to know!

-- sheepish (rborgo@gte.net), August 15, 2000.

If you go with the timothy hay, you will need to check on its protein level and adjust your concentrates accordingly. Also keep in mind the increased levels of minerals, especially calcium, in alfalfa that won't be there in the timothy for your ewes during gestation and lactation. HIK

Marilyn

-- marilyn (rainbow@ktis.net), August 15, 2000.

Timothy is good for horses because it is usually the lowest-protein hay available, and horses typically don't produce much, unless they're pregnant or nursing. Sheep, on the other hand, need that protein to produce that wool, which is almost pure protein.

Incidentally, Sheepish, last night I got the name of a supplier of hay who supplies a number of dairy goat people in the area. And if you want good alfalfa, talk to dairy goat people. Email me if you want the name and number.

-- Laura Jensen (lauraj@seedlaw.com), August 17, 2000.

Timothy seedheads are also a nightmare to clean out of the wool, if you are trying for quality fleeces.

-- Connie (Connie@lunehaven.com), August 22, 2000.

Connie, oh good point! No timothy, thank you very much!

-- sheepish (rborgo@gte.net), August 22, 2000.