parsley
Carpal \'Tunnel
Reged: 23/08/2005
Posts: 5839
|
|
I am going to rent a 4 acre field with a boundary fence. The ground is level and very well drained, has good quality pasture and will be grazed by a cob and a shetland (hopefully together). I was wondering how many paddocks to split it into and how long to graze each. Would 6 paddocks with a week on each be ok for year round grazin (each paddock just over half an acre) or should I do four - I was just wondering what people's opinions and experiences are?
ALSO does anyone have any recommendations for a pasture management book?
|
_Claire_
Carpal \'Tunnel
Reged: 20/06/2006
Posts: 5288
Loc: The Best Shire
|
|
I would have 4 paddocks, and then use one for at least a month. I think you'll find you'll have too much grass for a cob and shetland TBH.
|
nikki_07766
old hand
Reged: 16/06/2005
Posts: 772
Loc: Stickney, Boston,Lincolnshire
|
|
We have the same amount in 4, we graze two for the summer, one for a month and a month on the other and then graze the other two for winter with the same rota. we have far to much grass for our 2 a 16 hh cob and a 17hh ish. we have to get the farmer in to top 2 - 3 times a year.
--------------------
|
parsley
Carpal \'Tunnel
Reged: 23/08/2005
Posts: 5839
|
|
Thanks - the farmer I will be renting off will top it for me. He is quite keen that the sward stays in good condition - do they eat it right down in one month?
|
nikki_07766
old hand
Reged: 16/06/2005
Posts: 772
Loc: Stickney, Boston,Lincolnshire
|
|
No not at all, there's a fair bit left for them still, there not out 24/7 tho but a fair few hours everyday.
--------------------
|
parsley
Carpal \'Tunnel
Reged: 23/08/2005
Posts: 5839
|
|
ok thanks I'm hoping to leave them both out all winter as the cob has ROAD and hopefully they will get a lot of their food from grass.
|
SuperFurryAnimal
newbie
Reged: 17/08/2008
Posts: 40
|
|
I think you'll definitely be able to leave them out all year round without giving them much else (if anything) with a cob and a shetland on 4 acres - lucky thing! 4 paddocks sounds good.
|
nuffield
old hand
Reged: 29/12/2006
Posts: 755
Loc: Shropshire
|
|
I'd do 4 equal size then divide one of then into half so in the spring and earlysummer they cob and shetland will have restricted graxing and so avoid laminitis
-------------------- I'VE SOLD MY LANDY! Anyone looking for a nice 3 yr old pony? Pony Club type.
|