Creep Feeding Lambs: Benefits and Management

By Dr. Zubair Khalid, DVM, MS, PhD · 2026-08-14

Key Takeaways

• Creep feeding involves providing lambs access to a high-quality, palatable feed (typically 16-18% crude protein, 70-75% TDN) from 10-14 days of age, separate from ewes, to stimulate early rumen development and accelerate growth.
• This practice leads to heavier weaning weights (5-15% increase) and a smoother transition post-weaning by familiarizing lambs with solid feed, thereby reducing post-weaning weight loss and stress.
• Optimal creep feeder design features openings sized for lambs (4-6 inches wide, 8-10 inches tall) to exclude ewes, with adequate trough space (1-2 inches per lamb) and features to minimize waste.
• The economic viability of creep feeding is contingent on ewe milk production, litter size, length of nursing period, feed costs, and market prices, necessitating careful calculation of expected gain value versus feed expenses.
• Critical management includes ensuring free-choice access to good quality hay and fresh water, implementing vaccination protocols (e.g., for Clostridium perfringens) to prevent diseases like overeating disease, and maintaining meticulous records of lamb weights and feed intake.

Creep feeding lambs is one of the most effective management tools available to sheep producers who want heavier lambs at weaning, reduced stress during the transition to solid feed, and a smoother path to market. This guide explains how creep feeding works, when it pays, how to build or buy a lamb creep feeder, what to put in a creep feed ration, and how to manage the system from start to finish. It is written for commercial sheep producers, small flock owners, and anyone advising farmers on early lamb nutrition.

At a Glance

Understanding Creep Feeding

Creep feeding is the practice of offering supplemental feed to nursing lambs while keeping the ewes out of the feeding area. The word creep comes from the old term for a small enclosed space that lambs can creep into but adult sheep cannot. The concept is simple: lambs get a head start on solid feed while they are still drinking milk, so they learn to eat grain and forage before weaning.

The lamb creep feeder is the physical barrier that makes this possible. It can be a standalone pen, a panel section inside the lambing barn, or a portable unit moved around pasture. The critical design feature is the opening. It must be large enough for a lamb to pass through comfortably but small enough to block mature ewes.

Creep feeding is not the same as early weaning. In creep feeding, lambs stay with their mothers and continue nursing. The creep feed is an addition to the milk diet, not a replacement. In early weaning, lambs are removed from the ewe entirely and placed on a complete ration. Creep feeding is a gentler step that prepares the lamb for the day when milk stops.

Why Creep Feeding Matters for Early Lamb Nutrition

The first few weeks of a lamb's life are a period of rapid growth and development. A lamb's rumen is not functional at birth. In the first two weeks, the lamb lives almost entirely on milk, which bypasses the rumen and goes straight to the abomasum, the true stomach. The rumen begins to develop when the lamb starts eating solid feed. That solid feed introduces the bacteria and protozoa that the rumen needs to function.

Creep feeding accelerates this natural process. By offering a palatable, easily digestible feed early, you encourage the lamb to eat solids sooner. The physical and chemical stimulation from grain and hay causes the rumen papillae to grow. Those papillae are the small fingerlike projections on the rumen wall that absorb volatile fatty acids. A well developed rumen with healthy papillae is the foundation for efficient feed conversion after weaning.

Milk production in the ewe follows a predictable curve. It peaks about three to four weeks after lambing and then gradually declines. At the same time, the lamb's nutritional needs are climbing. By the time lambs are six to eight weeks old, many ewes cannot produce enough milk to support maximum lamb growth. This is the gap that creep feed fills.

The result is a lamb that is heavier at weaning, better prepared for the post weaning diet, and less likely to experience the classic weaning slump. Weaning is a stressful event. The lamb loses its mother, its milk supply, and often its familiar surroundings all at once. A lamb that already knows how to eat solid feed has a clear advantage over one that must learn from scratch while dealing with that stress.

Benefits of Creep Feeding Lambs

Heavier Weaning Weights

The most direct benefit of creep feeding is increased weight gain. Lambs with access to creep feed typically gain more weight during the nursing period than lambs relying on milk alone. The size of that advantage depends on the ewe's milk production, the breed, the number of lambs nursing, and the quality of the creep ration. In many commercial flocks, the advantage is 5 to 15 percent at weaning.

The economic value of that extra weight depends on your market. If you sell feeder lambs by the pound, the extra weight is direct income. If you retain lambs for finishing, the extra weight means they reach market weight sooner, which reduces the days on feed and the total feed cost per lamb.

Smoother Transition at Weaning

Creep fed lambs are already accustomed to eating grain and dry forage when weaning arrives. They do not have to learn a completely new diet at the same time they are coping with separation from their mothers. This reduces the post weaning weight loss that is common in lambs that have never seen a feed trough.

Lambs that are not creep fed often go through a period of poor intake and slow growth after weaning. They may stand at the fence calling for their mothers instead of eating. Creep fed lambs, by contrast, often go straight to the feeder. The result is a shorter adjustment period and less disruption to the growth curve.

Better Rumen Development

The rumen of a newborn lamb is small and nonfunctional. It grows in response to solid feed. The presence of grain and hay in the diet stimulates the development of the rumen wall, the growth of papillae, and the establishment of a healthy microbial population. This development is essential for the lamb to digest and use pasture, hay, and grain efficiently after weaning.

Lambs that are creep fed develop a more mature rumen earlier. They are better able to handle the higher energy and protein levels in a post weaning finishing ration. This can translate into better feed conversion and lower cost of gain in the feedlot or drylot phase.

Reduced Weaning Stress

Stress is more than an animal welfare concern. It has a direct effect on performance. Stressed lambs eat less, gain less, and are more susceptible to disease. Creep feeding reduces the nutritional stress of weaning because the lamb already knows how to eat solid feed. It also reduces the behavioral stress because the lamb has a familiar activity, eating from a trough, to fall back on.

More Uniform Lamb Crop

Creep feeding can help even out the size differences within a lamb crop. Lambs from ewes with low milk production, ewes raising twins or triplets, and young first lambing ewes often fall behind. Creep feed gives those lambs a chance to catch up. It does not erase all differences, but it narrows the gap between the heaviest and lightest lambs.

Flexibility at Marketing

Creep fed lambs are more flexible to market. If you want to sell some lambs early, they are likely to be heavy enough. If you want to hold lambs for a specific market window, they are further along in their growth. This flexibility can help you take advantage of seasonal price patterns.

When Creep Feeding Pays

Creep feeding is not always profitable. The decision depends on your specific situation. Here are the factors to consider.

Milk Production of the Flock

Creep feeding pays the most when ewe milk production is limited. This happens with heavy milking breeds under feed stress, ewes raising multiple lambs, and ewes in their first lactation. If your ewes are excellent milkers and raising singles, the lambs may get enough milk to grow well without creep feed.

Number of Lambs per Ewe

Ewes raising twins or triplets produce more milk than ewes raising singles, but they still cannot produce enough to maximize growth of all their lambs. The more lambs per ewe, the greater the benefit of creep feeding. A ewe with triplets is a strong candidate for creep feeding her lambs.

Length of the Nursing Period

If you wean lambs at 60 days or earlier, creep feeding may not have time to pay for itself. If you wean at 90 to 120 days, the lambs will depend heavily on solid feed in the later weeks, and creep feeding becomes more valuable.

Feed Costs

The cost of creep feed varies with grain prices. When grain is expensive, the economic return from creep feeding shrinks. Calculate the cost of the feed you expect to use and compare it to the value of the extra weight gain you expect to achieve.

Market Prices

When lamb prices are high, creep feeding is more likely to pay. The extra weight is worth more. When lamb prices are low, the same extra weight may not cover the feed cost.

A Simple Calculation

To decide if creep feeding pays, use this basic formula. Estimate the total weight gain you expect from creep feeding. Multiply that by the expected sale price per pound. That is the gross benefit. Subtract the cost of the feed you expect to use, the cost of the feeder if you need to buy one, and the labor to manage the system. If the net number is positive, creep feeding is likely a good investment.

For example, if you expect creep feeding to add 10 pounds per lamb and lambs sell for $1.50 per pound, the gross benefit is $15 per lamb. If the creep feed costs $25 per hundredweight and each lamb eats 50 pounds of feed, the feed cost is $12.50 per lamb. That leaves a net benefit of $2.50 per lamb before you account for the feeder and labor.

If the same lamb eats 100 pounds of feed, the feed cost is $25, and the net benefit disappears. This is why feed efficiency and feed wastage matter so much in a creep feeding program.

Building or Buying a Lamb Creep Feeder

The lamb creep feeder is the heart of the system. It must do three things. It must let lambs in, keep ewes out, and protect the feed from weather and waste.

Feeder Location

Place the creep feeder where lambs naturally gather. In a barn, that is often along a wall or in a corner where ewes and lambs rest. On pasture, place it near water or shade, or move it regularly to prevent manure buildup around the feeder.

The creep area should be dry and well drained. Mud around the feeder discourages lambs from entering and contaminates feed. If you are feeding on pasture, consider a portable creep feeder that you can move to fresh ground.

Feeder Size and Design

The opening into the creep area must be sized for lambs. A typical opening is 4 to 6 inches wide and 8 to 10 inches tall. The exact size depends on your breed. Larger breeds need larger openings. The opening should be at the level of the lamb's chest, not too high or too low.

The feeder itself should have enough trough space for all lambs to eat at once. A good rule is 1 to 2 inches of trough space per lamb. If lambs have to fight for space, the smaller lambs may be shut out.

The trough should be designed to minimize waste. A lip or flange on the inside edge of the trough prevents lambs from rooting feed out onto the floor. The trough should be deep enough to hold feed without spilling but shallow enough that lambs can reach the bottom.

Commercial Feeders

Commercial lamb creep feeders are available from livestock supply companies. They come in several styles. Some are self feeders that hold a large quantity of feed and dispense it as lambs eat. Others are simple troughs that you fill by hand.

Self feeders save labor but require careful management. The feed in a self feeder can become stale or moldy if it sits too long. The flow of feed must be adjusted so that it does not pile up and go to waste. Check self feeders daily and clean them regularly.

Homemade Feeders

Many producers build their own creep feeders. A simple design uses a panel of welded wire or pipe with openings cut to the right size. The panel is attached to a sturdy frame, and a feed trough is placed on the lamb side of the panel.

Another common design is a small pen built inside a corner of the barn. The pen is made of panels with a narrow entrance. The feed trough sits inside the pen. The key is to make the entrance small enough to block ewes but large enough for lambs.

Whatever design you choose, make sure it is sturdy. Ewes will push against the panels trying to reach the feed. A flimsy feeder will not last. Use heavy gauge materials and brace the corners.

Managing the Creep Area

The creep area should be cleaned regularly. Manure and wet bedding attract flies and harbor disease. Remove soiled bedding and replace it with fresh material. In the summer, make sure the creep area is well ventilated. In the winter, keep it dry and draft free.

Keep the area around the feeder clean. Spilled feed attracts rodents and birds. Clean up spills promptly and store feed in rodent proof containers.

Creep Feed Ration Formulation

The creep feed ration is the second critical piece of the system. The right ration encourages intake, supports growth, and prevents digestive problems. The wrong ration can lead to poor gains, scours, or even death from overeating disease.

Protein and Energy Levels

A typical creep feed for lambs contains 16 to 18 percent crude protein on a dry matter basis. The energy level should be high, around 70 to 75 percent total digestible nutrients. This combination supports rapid growth without overloading the rumen.

Corn is the most common energy source in creep feeds. It is palatable, widely available, and relatively inexpensive. Whole corn is often used, but cracked corn is easier for young lambs to chew. Oats are sometimes included to add fiber and reduce the risk of digestive upset. Soybean meal is a common protein supplement.

A Basic Creep Feed Ration

Here is a simple creep feed ration that works well for many flocks. Have it mixed at your local feed mill or mix it yourself if you have the equipment.

This ration provides about 16 to 17 percent crude protein and a high energy level. The molasses adds palatability and helps reduce dust. The mineral and vitamin premix should be formulated for growing lambs.

Commercial Creep Feeds

Many feed companies sell complete creep feeds for lambs. These are convenient and properly balanced. They come in pellet or meal form. Pellets are often preferred because they are easier for lambs to eat and less likely to be wasted.

If you buy a commercial creep feed, check the label. Look for a crude protein level of 16 to 18 percent and a fiber level that is appropriate for young lambs. Avoid feeds that contain medications unless you need them and understand how to use them.

Free Choice Hay

In addition to the grain mix, lambs should have access to good quality hay. Hay provides fiber that helps the rumen develop properly and reduces the risk of digestive upset from too much grain. Alfalfa hay is an excellent choice because it is high in protein and calcium. Good quality grass hay also works.

Offer the hay free choice in a separate feeder or rack. Do not mix the hay into the grain ration. Lambs should be able to choose between the two.

Fresh Water

Lambs need access to clean, fresh water at all times. Water is essential for digestion and for preventing urinary calculi, a condition that can be fatal in ram lambs. Check waterers daily, especially in winter when they can freeze.

Mineral Supplement

A sheep specific mineral supplement should be available free choice. Do not use cattle mineral, which contains copper at levels that are toxic to sheep. The mineral should contain the right balance of calcium, phosphorus, and trace minerals for growing lambs.

Coccidiostats and Other Additives

Some creep feeds contain a coccidiostat such as decoquinate or lasalocid. These medications help prevent coccidiosis, a common and costly disease in young lambs. If you have a history of coccidiosis in your flock, a medicated creep feed may be a good choice.

If you use a medicated feed, follow the label instructions exactly. Observe the withdrawal period before sending lambs to slaughter. Keep medicated and nonmedicated feeds separate to avoid contamination.

Starting Lambs on Creep Feed

Getting lambs to start eating creep feed is the first challenge. Lambs are born with a strong instinct to nurse, but they have no instinct to eat grain. You have to teach them.

Start Early

Introduce creep feed when lambs are 10 to 14 days old. At this age, lambs are curious and begin to explore their environment. They watch their mothers eat and may investigate the feed trough. The earlier you start, the sooner they learn.

Make It Palatable

The first feed you offer should be highly palatable. A small amount of molasses or a commercial lamb starter pellet can help attract lambs to the trough. Some producers mix a little milk replacer into the feed to make it smell familiar. Keep the first offering small and fresh.

Show Them How

Lambs learn to eat by watching other sheep. If you have an older lamb that already eats creep feed, it will teach the younger ones. If this is your first time creep feeding, you may need to be the teacher. Put a small amount of feed in the trough and gently push a lamb's nose into it. The lamb will lick the feed off its nose and start to taste it.

Keep It Fresh

Lambs are attracted to fresh feed. Offer small amounts several times a day rather than filling the trough once. Remove any feed that becomes soiled or stale. A lamb that takes a mouthful of moldy feed may refuse to eat creep feed again.

Be Patient

Some lambs start eating within a few days. Others take a week or more. Do not give up. Keep offering fresh, palatable feed and eventually most lambs will start.

Managing the Creep Feeding Program

Once lambs are eating creep feed, the management focus shifts to keeping the system running smoothly. This means monitoring intake, preventing waste, and adjusting the program as lambs grow.

Monitor Intake

Keep track of how much creep feed the lambs are eating. This tells you whether the program is working and helps you predict feed costs. A simple way to monitor is to weigh the feed you put in and weigh what is left at the end of the week.

As a general guide, lambs will eat about 0.1 to 0.3 pounds of creep feed per day in the first few weeks. By the time they are weaned, they may be eating 1 to 2 pounds per day. If intake is much lower than this, something is wrong. The feed may be unpalatable, the feeder may be in a bad location, or the lambs may be sick.

Adjust the Ration as Lambs Grow

As lambs get older and their rumens develop, they can handle more grain and less fiber. You may gradually increase the proportion of corn and decrease the oats. You can also increase the protein level if lambs are growing rapidly.

However, be careful about making sudden changes to the ration. Sudden changes can cause digestive upset. Make any changes gradually over a period of several days.

Watch for Digestive Problems

The most common problem in creep fed lambs is overeating disease, also known as enterotoxemia. This is caused by the bacteria Clostridium perfringens type C and D, which produce toxins when they multiply rapidly in the gut. The disease can kill lambs quickly.

Prevention is the key. Vaccinate ewes before lambing so they pass immunity to their lambs through colostrum. Vaccinate lambs at 4 to 6 weeks of age and again at weaning. Introduce grain gradually so the rumen has time to adapt.

Signs of overeating disease include sudden death, depression, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. If you suspect overeating disease, call your veterinarian immediately. Do not wait.

Prevent Waste

Feed waste is the enemy of a profitable creep feeding program. Wasted feed is money lost. Here are the common sources of waste and how to prevent them.

The feeder design is the first line of defense. A trough with a lip or flange prevents lambs from rooting feed onto the floor. The trough should be the right size so lambs cannot stand in it. Feed should be offered in amounts that lambs will clean up in a day or two.

Weather is another source of waste. Rain and snow can ruin feed left in an uncovered trough. If you are feeding outside, use a covered feeder or move the feeder into a shed.

Birds and rodents also steal and contaminate feed. Keep the feeding area clean and store feed in sealed containers.

Manage the Flock

Creep feeding works best when the lambs are healthy and the ewes are well managed. Here are some flock management practices that support a successful creep feeding program.

Keep the lambing area clean and dry. A clean environment reduces the disease pressure on lambs. Make sure lambs get colostrum within the first few hours of life. Colostrum provides antibodies that protect lambs from disease during the critical first weeks.

Castrate and dock lambs at an early age, following your veterinarian's recommendations and local regulations. These procedures cause less stress when done early, and the lambs recover faster.

Treat lambs for internal parasites as needed. Parasites can reduce growth and make lambs more susceptible to other diseases. Work with your veterinarian or extension agent to develop a parasite control program for your flock.

Common Mistakes in Creep Feeding

Starting Too Late

The biggest mistake is waiting too long to start creep feeding. If you wait until lambs are 4 to 6 weeks old, they have already missed the period when they are most curious and most likely to learn new behaviors. Start at 10 to 14 days of age.

Letting Ewes In

If ewes can reach the creep feed, they will eat it. This defeats the purpose of creep feeding and can lead to overconditioned ewes and digestive problems. Check the creep feeder openings regularly to make sure they are still the right size. As lambs grow, the openings will still work, but a ewe that is determined can sometimes force her way in.

Feeding the Wrong Ration

A creep feed ration that is too low in protein or energy will not support rapid growth. A ration that is too high in protein can be wasteful and may cause digestive problems. Use a ration that is appropriate for the age and growth rate of your lambs.

Ignoring Water

Lambs need fresh water from the time they start eating solid feed. A lack of water reduces feed intake and can lead to urinary calculi in ram lambs. Check waterers daily.

Neglecting Vaccinations

Overeating disease can wipe out the benefits of a creep feeding program in a matter of hours. Do not skip vaccinations. Work with your veterinarian to establish a vaccination schedule that protects your lambs.

Poor Feeder Placement

A creep feeder placed in a dark, damp corner will not attract lambs. Place it where lambs naturally gather, in a well lit, dry area. On pasture, move the feeder regularly to prevent buildup of manure and mud.

Not Keeping Records

If you do not keep records, you cannot know whether creep feeding is paying. Weigh lambs at birth, at the start of creep feeding, and at weaning. Track feed intake and feed costs. Use this information to make decisions about future creep feeding programs.

Monitoring and Recordkeeping

Good recordkeeping is essential for evaluating the success of your creep feeding program. Here is what to track.

Lamb Weights

Weigh lambs at birth, at the start of creep feeding, and at weaning. If possible, weigh them again two weeks after weaning to see how they handled the transition. Individual weights are ideal, but pen weights can work if you have a scale that can handle a group.

Feed Intake

Record how much creep feed you offer and how much is refused. This gives you the actual feed intake. Divide the total intake by the number of lambs to get the average intake per lamb.

Feed Cost

Multiply the total feed used by the cost per pound to get the total feed cost. Divide by the number of lambs to get the feed cost per lamb. Compare this to the value of the extra weight gain to determine if the program paid.

Health Problems

Record any health problems in the lambs, including scours, pneumonia, and overeating disease. Note when they occurred and how they were treated. This information can help you prevent problems in future years.

Weaning Weights

Weaning weight is the single most important measure of a creep feeding program. Compare weaning weights of creep fed lambs to the weaning weights of lambs from previous years or to a control group that did not receive creep feed. This comparison tells you what the program is worth.

Using the Records

Use your records to make decisions. If creep feeding is adding weight at a reasonable cost, continue the program. If the extra weight is not worth the feed cost, consider changes. You might try a different ration, a different feeder, or a different weaning age.

When to Call a Veterinarian or Extension Agent

Most creep feeding problems are management problems that you can solve yourself. But some situations require professional help.

Call Your Veterinarian If

A lamb or multiple lambs die suddenly. This could be overeating disease, which requires immediate treatment of the remaining lambs. A veterinarian can confirm the diagnosis and recommend a treatment and prevention plan.

Lambs have persistent diarrhea that does not respond to your usual treatment. This could be coccidiosis, a bacterial infection, or another disease that requires specific treatment.

Lambs are not gaining weight despite eating creep feed. This could be a sign of internal parasites, a nutritional deficiency, or a chronic disease. A veterinarian can help you find the cause.

Lambs show signs of urinary calculi, such as straining to urinate or a swollen abdomen. This is an emergency that requires immediate veterinary care.

Call Your Extension Agent If

You are unsure about the best creep feed ration for your area and your flock. Extension agents can provide locally relevant recommendations.

You want to calculate the economics of creep feeding for your specific operation. Extension agents can help you with the numbers.

You are considering a major change to your lambing or weaning system. Extension agents can help you plan the change and avoid costly mistakes.

You want to learn more about parasite control, pasture management, or other aspects of sheep production that affect your creep feeding program.

Creep Feeding for Different Production Systems

Pasture Based Systems

In a pasture based system, the creep feeder is usually a portable unit that sits in the pasture. The feeder should be moved regularly to prevent manure buildup and to give lambs access to fresh ground. A common practice is to move the feeder every week or two.

The creep area on pasture can be a simple panel pen with a narrow entrance. The feeder should be protected from rain and snow with a roof or cover. Some producers use a three sided shelter with the open side facing away from the prevailing wind.

Drylot and Barn Systems

In a drylot or barn system, the creep feeder is often a permanent structure. It may be a pen built into a corner of the barn or a section of the lambing pen separated by a creep panel. The advantage of a permanent structure is that it is always ready and easy to manage.

The disadvantage is that it can become contaminated with manure and disease over time. Clean and disinfect the creep area between lambing groups.

Intensive Finishing Systems

In an intensive finishing system, lambs may be creep fed and then moved directly to a finishing ration at weaning. The creep feed prepares them for this transition. The finishing ration is often similar to the creep ration but higher in energy.

Lambs that are creep fed in an intensive system should be monitored closely for overeating disease. The high grain diet is a risk factor for this disease.

Creep Feeding and Ewe Nutrition

Creep feeding is not a substitute for proper ewe nutrition. The ewe is still the primary source of nutrition for the lamb in the first few weeks of life. A ewe that is underfed will produce less milk, and her lambs will suffer even with creep feed available.

Make sure ewes have access to good quality forage and a mineral supplement during lactation. Ewes nursing twins or triplets have higher nutritional needs than ewes nursing singles. Adjust the ewe ration accordingly.

Creep feeding can actually help the ewe as well as the lamb. When lambs are eating creep feed, they are nursing less. This reduces the demand on the ewe and can help her maintain body condition. This is especially important for young ewes that are still growing themselves.

Creep Feeding and Weaning Management

The way you wean lambs has a big effect on how well they handle the transition. Creep feeding is one part of a good weaning program. Here are the other parts.

Weaning Age

The traditional weaning age for lambs is 60 to 90 days. Lambs that are creep fed can often be weaned at the younger end of this range because they are already eating solid feed. Weaning earlier can reduce the nutritional demand on the ewe and allow her to regain condition before the next breeding season.

Weaning Method

There are several ways to wean lambs. Some producers remove the lambs from the ewes all at once. Others remove the ewes from the lambs, leaving the lambs in the familiar environment. Still others use a two stage weaning where the lambs are separated from the ewes by a fence for a few days before complete separation.

The best method depends on your facilities and your management style. The key is to minimize stress on the lambs. Creep fed lambs have an advantage because they already know how to eat solid feed.

Post Weaning Management

After weaning, lambs should be monitored closely for signs of stress and disease. Provide fresh water, good quality feed, and a clean, dry environment. Watch for signs of coccidiosis and other diseases that often appear after weaning.

Troubleshooting Creep Feeding Problems

Lambs Are Not Eating Creep Feed

If lambs are not eating creep feed, check the following. Is the feed fresh? Is it palatable? Is the feeder in a location where lambs feel safe? Are the openings the right size? Are the lambs healthy?

Try offering a small amount of a highly palatable feed, such as a commercial lamb starter pellet. Add a little molasses. Show the lambs how to eat by putting a small amount of feed in their mouths.

Lambs Are Eating Too Much Grain

If lambs are eating too much grain, they are at risk for overeating disease and acidosis. Reduce the amount of grain in the ration and increase the amount of hay. Make sure the grain is introduced gradually.

Feed Intake Is High but Weight Gain Is Low

If lambs are eating a lot of feed but not gaining weight, the problem may be parasites. Internal parasites can reduce feed efficiency dramatically. Have fecal samples checked by your veterinarian and treat accordingly.

The problem could also be the ration. If the ration is too low in protein or energy, lambs will not gain well. Have the ration analyzed by a feed lab.

Lambs Have Scours

Scours in creep fed lambs can be caused by overeating, coccidiosis, or a bacterial infection. Check the feed intake. If lambs are eating too much, reduce the amount of feed. If the problem persists, call your veterinarian.

The Economics of Creep Feeding

The decision to creep feed is ultimately an economic decision. The benefits are heavier weaning weights, smoother weaning transitions, and more uniform lambs. The costs are feed, feeder, labor, and the risk of disease.

Calculating the Return

To calculate the return on creep feeding, you need four numbers. The first is the extra weight gain per lamb. The second is the sale price per pound. The third is the feed cost per lamb. The fourth is the labor and equipment cost per lamb.

Here is an example. Suppose creep feeding adds 10 pounds per lamb. Lambs sell for $1.50 per pound. The gross benefit is $15 per lamb. Suppose each lamb eats 60 pounds of creep feed at $0.25 per pound. The feed cost is $15 per lamb. The net benefit is zero before labor and equipment.

Now suppose the same lambs eat 40 pounds of feed. The feed cost is $10 per lamb. The net benefit is $5 per lamb. That may be enough to cover labor and equipment and still leave a profit.

The key is to maximize the weight gain per pound of feed. This means using a well balanced ration, minimizing waste, and managing the lambs to stay healthy.

When Creep Feeding Does Not Pay

There are situations where creep feeding does not pay. If you wean lambs early, at 45 to 60 days, the lambs may not have time to eat enough creep feed to make a difference. If your ewes are excellent milkers and raising singles, the lambs may gain well without creep feed. If feed prices are very high and lamb prices are low, the economics may not work.

In these situations, consider other options. You might improve ewe nutrition to increase milk production. You might wean later to give lambs more time to grow on milk. You might sell lambs at a lighter weight. The right answer depends on your specific operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best age to start creep feeding lambs?

Start offering creep feed when lambs are 10 to 14 days old. At this age, lambs are curious and begin exploring their environment. They are also starting to develop their rumens, and the solid feed stimulates that development. Starting earlier is better than starting later. Lambs that are introduced to creep feed at a young age learn to eat it faster and are more likely to consume enough to make a difference by weaning.

How much creep feed should each lamb eat per day?

Creep feed intake starts small and grows as lambs get older. In the first few weeks, lambs may eat only 0.1 to 0.3 pounds per day. By 6 to 8 weeks of age, intake may be 0.5 to 1 pound per day. By weaning at 60 to 90 days, lambs may be eating 1 to 2 pounds per day. The exact amount depends on the breed, the ewe's milk production, and the palatability of the feed. Monitor intake regularly to make sure lambs are eating enough.

Can I use a cattle creep feeder for lambs?

Cattle creep feeders are generally too large for lambs. The openings are too big, which allows ewes to enter, and the troughs are too deep for lambs to reach the feed. It is better to use a feeder designed for sheep or to build one yourself. The key dimensions are a 4 to 6 inch wide opening and an 8 to 10 inch tall opening, with a trough that lambs can easily reach.

What should I feed lambs in a creep feeder?

A good creep feed ration for lambs contains 16 to 18 percent crude protein and a high energy level. A simple ration is 60 percent cracked corn, 20 percent whole oats, 15 percent soybean meal, 3 percent molasses, and 2 percent mineral and vitamin premix. Lambs should also have free choice access to good quality hay and fresh water. You can also buy commercial creep feeds that are already balanced for growing lambs.

How do I keep ewes out of the creep feeder?

The creep feeder must have an opening that is large enough for lambs but too small for ewes. A typical opening is 4 to 6 inches wide and 8 to 10 inches tall. The opening should be at the level of the lamb's chest. Check the openings regularly to make sure they have not been bent or damaged. A determined ewe can sometimes force her way through an opening that is too large or poorly constructed.

Do creep fed lambs need a special vaccine?

Creep fed lambs are at higher risk for overeating disease, also known as enterotoxemia, because of the high grain diet. This disease is caused by Clostridium perfringens bacteria and can kill lambs quickly. Vaccinate ewes before lambing so they pass immunity to their lambs through colostrum. Vaccinate lambs at 4 to 6 weeks of age and again at weaning. Work with your veterinarian to establish a vaccination schedule for your flock.

How long should I creep feed lambs?

Creep feed lambs from about 10 to 14 days of age until weaning. The length of the creep feeding period depends on your weaning age. If you wean at 60 days, the creep feeding period is about 6 to 7 weeks. If you wean at 90 days, it is about 11 weeks. Some producers continue to feed the same ration after weaning to minimize the transition. The goal is to have lambs eating a significant amount of solid feed before they are weaned.

Is creep feeding worth the cost?

Creep feeding pays when the value of the extra weight gain exceeds the cost of the feed, feeder, and labor. The answer depends on your ewe's milk production, the number of lambs per ewe, the weaning age, and the prices of feed and lambs. Calculate the expected benefit and cost for your operation before you start. Keep records so you can evaluate the program after the first year.

Related Farming Guides

This section will be populated with links to related farming guides on sheep production, lamb nutrition, and flock management. Check back for updates or use the site search to find more articles on raising healthy, productive sheep.

Related Clinical & Scientific Guides

• Sheep Grazing Lease: Terms, Rates, and Legal Considerations
• Sheep Breed Selection for Meat, Wool, Dairy, and Low-Input Systems
• Sheep Barn Flooring for Hoof Health: Best Materials and Practices

References

• American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control (ACSRPC): https://www.wormx.info/
• USDA APHIS Sheep Health: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/sheep-goats
• FAO Sheep and Goat Production: https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/
• FAO Animal Production and Health: https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/
• WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health): https://www.woah.org/en/home/

This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, public-health guidance, or regulatory reporting.