Feeding the Sheep

First, you must climb up to the hayloft. It helps if you are strong. There is a ladder. We call it a ladder but that is a little presumptuous. Let's be honest, there are just a bunch of wooden slats nailed to a barn post. Don't worry, they are sturdy and there is plenty to grab on. I only get worried if the tractor is parked too closely and I imagine falling on the bucket loader. There are some scissors up there that can be used to cut the twine. Make sure you hang the cut twine with all the other twines. You will notice there is a big gap on the floor adjacent to the barn wall. Break up the bale into small portions and throw the hay down that gap aiming it at the feeder below. It is best to spread it evenly across the whole feeder so that all the sheep have a chance to access it. Feed them 1/2 bale in the morning and the remaining half in the evening. Now climb down the loft. I hope you remember how you got up because getting down is almost the same but a little trickier.

Now is time to give the sheep a little grain. It helps to be tall so you can reach over the half wall and see where you are pouring the grain.

I use three cups. Put the grain in that aluminum pitcher and starts pouring the feed onto the wooden trays from the outside of the pen. As soon as the sheep hear you open that grain bin they will rush over to the feeder by the tack room door. Then trick them. Pour a little grain on the feeder where they ran too, then go around the tractor to the other end. While they are distracted you can evenly distribute some of the grain on that side. They will rush there as soon as they notice. Go back to the initial side, pour a little there, squeeze yourself between the tractor and the wall, and pour the grain on the middle feeder. It helps if you are skinny