Tag: feed

Metering Out The Hay

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Making Hay (1872) Winslow Homer (American, 1836-

In a Post, earlier this month, Moving an 800 lb Hay Bale by Hand, I showed the size of Round Bales we get and it also shows how Is how I roll it out. Now, in this Post, I’m going to explain how I meter out the hay so that I always feed my animals the same amount, and make my bale last a set number of days! I do this using pallets! 

Metering Out The Hay

It occurred to me that each Pallet is about a Meter (39”) wide and 48” or 4 Feet Wide, 

Which made me think of the saying, “to meter out”. Which, according to Webster’s Dictionary is to,

“to give (something) to the people who one decides should get it : to give out or distribute (something)”.

I had never made a connection between the two before. Although, at least in this case, it makes perfect sense! 

Actually, while these Pallets are about a Meter wide, I actually roll the hay the other way, From end to end, or bottom to top, which is 48 inches. 

Then, after rolling it out, I roll up the amount from one Pallet. That is the amount for each the Goats, and Sheep. 

To be honest, the first couple of Bales I did this way were more by fluke than on purpose, but it worked so well, my 800 lb Bales lasted about 3 weeks, or 21 days. Which means about 38 lbs per day. The estimated combined weight of our 7 sheep is 575 lbs. While the goats weigh in at about 450 lbs total for all five. So, a total combined weight of about 1,025 lbs. Goats require about 4% of their body weight, and sheep at least 3%. So, our 800 lb bale lasting 21 days means we’re feeding and average of about 3.7% of their combined body weight. While these are just rough numbers, I love that it works out almost to the day every time, and it seems like it’s keeping the animals in pretty good shape, we also supplement their hay with a little feed, and some treats like fruits and vegetables. We do our best to help keep everybody happy! 


Recommended Reading from the Brian Hurlburt Bookshop: 

Book: Raising Goats Naturally

Affordable Feeds at Briden Farm

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Briden Farm Scratch and Hemp Seed Feeds

What Do You Pay? Have You seen our Affordable Feeds? Look at our Affordable Feeds Page and see how we can help You. Four Grain Scratch Feed, Human Grade Hemp Seed Feed, and Lay Mash. Which of these Feeds do you use? Which Feeds would You like to see us carry next? We buy in Bulk and do our best to help You save!

Have Questions? Call Brian at 902-907-0770


Hemp Seed Treats for Pets

 

What if Commercial Feed Supplies Run Out?

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Commercial Chicken Feed

It recently come to my attention that some companies, in some cases, big companies that manufacture herbs and spices, are experiencing supply issues! That’s part of the fundamental food chain! So, at the risk of sounding “alarmist”, I’m asking You, “What would You do if Commercial Feed Supplies run out? 

One of the best articles, posts, or write ups I’ve read is…

How to Feed Your Chickens Without Grain – 20 Ways to Cut Your Costs 100%

Now, it’s not addressing the issue of running out, but of lowering costs, perhaps by up to 100%. Utilizing nature, plants, methods, gardens, composts, etc., to reduce feed costs! Now that’s something that we can all benefit from all the time! Right? 

Most, if not all the ideas and techniques that are presented in How to Feed Your Chickens Without Grain – 20 Ways to Cut Your Costs 100% can also be employed if, and when, feed sources become scarce!