FlatCreekFarm
Well-Known Member
My two new girls seem to be doing well, but I'm wondering if I'm doing this feeding thing even halfway right
: That's just me to doubt myself, but since I've never done anything quite like this before (only bottle calves) ~ want to check it out. Also, in all the reference material I have collected over the past couple years, I can't find anything on what amounts of grain to feed weanlings, or a schedule to follow. Keep in mind these little girls are only 4 months old.
The previous owner started them on sweet feed during the weaning process and that is what they were on when I picked them up (I know sweet feed may not the best option, but... that's what we have to deal with right now). He told me they were getting about a big coffee can full total per day (divided between the two). I want to eventually take them off the sweet feed but I'm afraid that would be too big of a change right now after everything else. I'm dividing that "coffee can" of feed up into something like this throughout the day (for two):
7 A.M. - about 1/3 of the "coffee can" full
7 P.M. - about 1/3 of the can full
Two other feedings during the day I divide up the other 1/3 for them in small "snacks".
They also get some grass during the day.
They are eating well, sometimes leave a little bit and come back for it later. Manure is mostly firm, occasionally slightly loose (thinking this could be mainly from the big changes - move, etc.). On Ruby, I can feel some ribs but it isn't anything that concerns me much yet as she seems to feel good, and she doesn't have a malnourished appearance. She certainly eats good, as does Gracie. Sometimes when they bray I wonder if they're still hungry?
Am I close to doing this right? Or, would you say, if it ain't broke don't fix it? Maybe this is just new-mom worried-ness?
: Any suggestions or your personal experiences would be greatly appreciated!
The previous owner started them on sweet feed during the weaning process and that is what they were on when I picked them up (I know sweet feed may not the best option, but... that's what we have to deal with right now). He told me they were getting about a big coffee can full total per day (divided between the two). I want to eventually take them off the sweet feed but I'm afraid that would be too big of a change right now after everything else. I'm dividing that "coffee can" of feed up into something like this throughout the day (for two):
7 A.M. - about 1/3 of the "coffee can" full
7 P.M. - about 1/3 of the can full
Two other feedings during the day I divide up the other 1/3 for them in small "snacks".
They also get some grass during the day.
They are eating well, sometimes leave a little bit and come back for it later. Manure is mostly firm, occasionally slightly loose (thinking this could be mainly from the big changes - move, etc.). On Ruby, I can feel some ribs but it isn't anything that concerns me much yet as she seems to feel good, and she doesn't have a malnourished appearance. She certainly eats good, as does Gracie. Sometimes when they bray I wonder if they're still hungry?
Am I close to doing this right? Or, would you say, if it ain't broke don't fix it? Maybe this is just new-mom worried-ness?