Feeding Schedule &
Measuring Rations

The Basics:

Feeding show lambs is a critical element in raising your lamb to reach its full potential. An elite lamb in reference to genetics and structure will just be so-so if it isn't fed correctly.

Here are a few tips to start out:

Always feed twice per day, night and morning.
Feed at approximately the same time when possible.
Always make feed changes slowly.
Always measure feed and be precise.
Hay is critical to overall growth and rumen health. If in doubt, feed a little more. You can't over feed hay, but you can under-feed.

Making a Measured Grain Scoop

You will need to measure your feed so you can feed your lambs a precise ration of show feed (grain) each day. Measurements should be in pounds and ounces not in "scoops," "cups" or "cans."

Grain rations will increase as the lamb grows and sometimes decrease according to their growth rate. A scoop with 1/2 pound increments will be versatile for most situations. I like a clear, 2 quart pitcher. This acrylic one has stood up to a lot of use at our house.

Note that the scoop will only be accurate for your brand of feed. Each brand of feed (Purina, Show Rite, Buckle Up, High Noon) has a different formulation and ingredients. Some feeds are more dense than others so they will have a different weight to volume ratio. Remind your kids to level their feed to the correct line each night and morning.

The very very most accurate method of weighing feed is to weigh it with every single feeding. However, this is a close second and much easier for kids than to use the scale every night and morning. We've seen a lot of success with these scoops.

Signs of Hunger or Overfeeding

Lambs should be fed in a way that they are content.

Here are some signs that your lamb is hungry and you need to increase feed:

There aren't any stems left in the feeder when you come back for the next feeding.
- Note: this doesn't count if you feed hay on the ground. Hungry lambs will leave hay on the ground because it will have poop on it.
They chew on wood in their pen.
Weight loss.
They eat very fast and don't leave anything to spare.
They are noisy and over anxious to eat when you go to feed them.

Here are some signs that your lamb is being overfed:

There is lots of wasted hay in the feeder.
They don't finish their grain.
- Note: if you are increasing grain rations, lambs may leave grain temporarily, but should adjust and go back to finishing their grain.
Excessive growth.

Post-weaning Nutrition Shapes Long-term Growth

Most show lambs are purchased shortly after weaning, typically weighing between 40 and 80 pounds. This is a critical stage in their growth and development. This period is much like a growth spurt in children or teenagers, when consistent nutrition is essential. Underfeeding at this time can have lasting effects on a lamb’s health and development. Without adequate nutrition, lambs may fail to grow properly, lose weight, and fall behind in overall condition.

This mistake is especially common with summer-born show lambs that will be exhibited the following spring. Because the show date feels far off, it may seem harmless to hold back growth early on. However, we’ve seen many lambs become permanently stunted when nutrition is restricted. A deficit during this stage doesn’t just slow weight gain—it can impair rumen development and reduce the lamb’s long-term ability to convert feed efficiently. Later, even with generous rations and high-quality feed, these lambs often struggle to gain weight and you will be frustrated and possibly unable to get them to their finished weight.

Regularly weighing your lambs is one of the best ways to monitor progress and make timely adjustments to their feeding program. Early attention helps ensure steady growth and keeps lambs on track for long-term success.