Self-Feeder For Lambs

Self-Feeder for Lambs LIVESTOCK Feeding Equipment 15-4-8 Sheep grower Tom Newberger, Canistota, S. Dak., designed this nifty lamb feeder that lets him start lambs out on grain before weaning so that they won't get` overeating disease" when they switch over to a total ration of grain after weaning. He cuts the top out of barrel with a torch and then cuts six 4 by 6-in. openings in the side of the barrel, spaced 2 in. apart and positioned about 12 in. up from the bottom of the barrel. "The idea is that the lambs can get their heads through the holes to eat grain, chopped alfalfa, or whatever but the ewes can't because their heads are too big. Of course, the ewes will try to get at the feed so you have to set the barrel up in a corner or anchor it somehow so they won't tip it over," says Newberger. When lambs get big enough that their heads get stuck in the openings, he weans them and they're ready to go on feed. "We start using the feeder when they're only a couple weeks old, placing one barrel in each of the four corners of a 16 by 30-ft. building, serving 75 to 100 lambs. They gradually find their way to the feed but they don't overeat on grain when sucking because they prefer milk over creep feed," says Newberger, noting that he's never seen anything like his feeders on the market. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Tom Newberger, R.R., Box 183, Canistota, S. Dak. 57012 (ph 605 296-3314).

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