Sheep are efficient foragers that can thrive on moderate-quality hay — but their nutritional needs change significantly through the production year. A ewe nursing twin lambs needs nearly twice the feed of the same ewe dry in fall. Missing that window costs you in lamb growth rates and ewe condition. This guide covers what sheep actually need at each stage, and how to feed it efficiently.
Daily Hay Requirements for Sheep
Sheep need approximately 2.5–3.5% of body weight in forage daily when hay is the primary feed source. A 150-lb ewe needs 3.75–5.25 lbs of hay per day at maintenance. Life stage drives the upper end of that range.
| Animal | Weight | Daily Hay (lbs) | Hay Quality Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry ewe, maintenance | 130–180 lbs | 3–5 | Grass hay, 8–10% CP |
| Ewe, late gestation (last 6 weeks) | 150–200 lbs | 4–6 | 10–12% CP; grass-legume mix preferred |
| Ewe, nursing single lamb | 140–180 lbs | 5–7 | 12–14% CP |
| Ewe, nursing twins | 140–180 lbs | 6–9 | 14–16% CP; best quality available |
| Ewe lamb (growing, 6–12 mo) | 60–100 lbs | 2–3.5 | 12–14% CP for growth |
| Ram, non-breeding | 200–300 lbs | 5–8 | Grass hay; avoid excess alfalfa |
| Ram, breeding season | 200–300 lbs | 6–9 | Increase quality 3–4 weeks before breeding |
| Market lambs (60–100 days) | 30–80 lbs | 1–2.5 | Free-choice leafy hay + creep grain |
Hay Type Selection for Sheep
Grass Hay for Most Sheep
A quality grass hay — orchard grass, timothy, or bermuda — meets maintenance requirements for dry ewes and rams. Target 8–11% crude protein for adult sheep not in active production. First-cutting grass hay is generally appropriate and cost-effective for this group.
Grass-Legume Mix for Productive Ewes
Ewes in late gestation and lactation benefit significantly from mixed hay with 25–50% legume content. This provides the protein boost needed without the full calcium load of pure alfalfa. A mixed orchard grass-alfalfa or timothy-clover hay is ideal for the lambing and nursing period.
Alfalfa: Useful in Moderation
Pure alfalfa is appropriate for ewes nursing twins or triplets — the protein and energy demands during peak lactation are high enough to justify it. For rams and wethers, avoid high-alfalfa diets for the same reason as with male goats: the calcium:phosphorus imbalance increases urinary calculi risk. Castrated males (wethers) should receive grass hay only.
Sheep Waste Less Than Goats — But Feeders Still Matter
Sheep are more patient, less acrobatic feeders than goats, which means they waste less hay by default. A flock of sheep offered hay in a simple V-manger or low-sided hay rack will waste 10–20% — compared to 30–50% for goats in the same setup. That said, good feeder design still pays off.
Keyhole feeders (where sheep insert their heads and can't easily back out while eating) are particularly effective at reducing competition in larger flocks. Space matters: provide at least 12–18 inches of linear feeder space per ewe to allow all animals to eat simultaneously — otherwise subordinate ewes get less feed, creating uneven body condition across the flock.
Flushing: The Hay Strategy Before Breeding
Flushing — the practice of increasing energy intake in ewes 2–3 weeks before and during breeding — is one of the most well-documented management practices in sheep production. Ewes in rising body condition at breeding ovulate more frequently, producing higher rates of twin and triplet pregnancies.
Flushing with hay means switching to better-quality hay (second-cutting grass or mixed grass-legume) 2–3 weeks before the ram is introduced, maintaining that quality through the first 3 weeks of breeding season. Hay alone is sufficient for flushing if the quality increase is meaningful — switching from 8% CP first-cut grass to 14% CP second-cut orchard grass provides the energy stimulus needed.
Lamb Creep Feeding and Hay
Lambs begin nibbling hay within the first week of life. Offering free-choice leafy hay in a creep area accessible to lambs but not ewes encourages early rumen development. Well-developed rumens at weaning mean lambs transition more smoothly and maintain growth momentum through weaning stress. Use the leafiest, most palatable hay available for the creep — lambs are selective and won't bother with coarse stemmy hay.