Stocking Density and Pasture Management

[peterpuck]

I would think that you could make that work. If you irrigate your pasture(s) and can subdivide them so you can rotate often, then for sure. Just never graze lower than about 4-5 inches. If you start doing that, rotate more often and get rid of some animals.

If you have any problems with dogs or coyotes you might want to find a way to keep that donkey. They are amazing guard animals.

 

[bubba1358]

I would think that you could make that work. If you irrigate your pasture(s) and can subdivide them so you can rotate often, then for sure. Just never graze lower than about 4-5 inches. If you start doing that, rotate more often and get rid of some animals.

If you have any problems with dogs or coyotes you might want to find a way to keep that donkey. They are amazing guard animals.

Thanks. Donkey has been problematic lately. He tries to stomp the sheep. Given that manure and lawnmowing are his two most endearing qualities, and that he flees in terror when the neighbor's 50 lb dog escapes, he is def the odd equine out here.

 

[bonbean01]

My vote is try it...if it works out, great! If it doesn't, you learn and modify...adapting and changing is all part of the learning process.

I tend to spoil our sheep...big time...even during the lush pasture season, we do bring our sheep home before dark to the home base dry lot, where there is always help yourself hay...buffet style...I sleep better having them home before dark where I can see them in the blazing light, secure fence and strands of hotwire around the outside of the fence...hear coyotes now and then...and at first sign of rain, bring them all back too to home base...can't let the darlings be out in the rain you know....LOLOLOL!

Nope...not practical...but we feel better this way and gives us more time to pet and cuddle these spoilt babies! We started out wanting to become more self sufficient, but got to love these critters and enjoy them and we do things a little differently than most people do, so I may be a bad person to take any advice from...LOLOLOL!