Time for creep feed?

[Blue Sky]

My calf is about 2 months old and is interested in the sheep's kibble. I haven't seen him graze or chew cut so I'm not sure about ramen activity. Is it time for feed and how much should he have?
PS we've had calves but this is 'my' first one.

 

[greybeard]

too young for free choice (24/7 access) creep feeding imo.

 

[Blue Sky]

OK thanks. I keep my calf w my sheep and he's grabbing a mouthful of all stock. Should I stop this?

 

[WyndSyrin]

Every calf is different. My two boys were sampling feed, hay, and grass at about 2 months. They will really start in on all of that once they get about 3months old. At least that has been from my experience. It won't hurt them to have a mouth full. it means they are curious about it and are behaving like a normal calf

 

[greybeard]

OK thanks. I keep my calf w my sheep and he's grabbing a mouthful of all stock. Should I stop this?

A mouthful should be fine. To me, creep feeding is using a feeder that excludes all other animals but the target animal and the target animal has access to it all the time. I don't start creep feeding my replacement heifers and steers (beef) until about 1/2 way to weaning target weight, and I get them set up for that by beginning to give them a good quality balanced feed ration 1/day about 1% of their estimated body weight.
(a lot depends how good our grass or hay is too, and your goal for the calf--is it a replacement heifer..a feeder..a dairy type..)
Know and watch for the symptoms of acidosis any time you start feeding grain to calves.

 

[Blue Sky]

He a mixed breed headed for the freezer. He's had pneumonia but is getting over it. My husband was in charge of the details on the last calves which is why I'm behind the curve. The sheep get fed in the evening and he's started showing interest in their sweet all stock. I don't want him eating something he shouldn't have.

 

[greybeard]

My concern is not so much 'what' the calf is sampling, but how much at a time he has access to.
'all stock' generally means exactly that..it's made for cattle, equines, and goats/sheep but without seeing a sack label, I couldn't say it is either good or bad for the calf's rumen.