Raising sheep can be a rewarding experience for all small-scale producers, from homesteaders to 4-H families. If you’re building a small flock for wool, milk, or meat, learning how to raise sheep starts with understanding the animals and your land.
Let’s dive into the basics of building a healthy, productive flock, one ewe at a time.
Why Raise Sheep?
People raise sheep for a variety of reasons: meat production, milk production, wool, or even simply to maintain pastures with these efficient grazing animals. Sheep are fairly small and easy to manage, making them ideal for small farms, even raising an entire herd.
If you want to raise dual-purpose sheep that offer both milk and meat, or you’re aiming to breed for shows, there’s a breed that fits your needs. Make sure to choose the correct breed for your needs and goals.
Choosing the Right Breed for Your Farm
Selecting the right breed depends on your goals:
- Wool sheep (like Merino or Icelandic sheep) produce high-quality fleece.
- Dairy sheep (like East Friesian) are ideal for milk production.
- Hair sheep (like Katahdin) shed naturally, great for meat and lower maintenance.
You don’t have to commit to just one breed, but know that mixed flocks may require slightly different care and parasite control plans.
How Many Sheep Should You Start With?
It’s recommended to begin with at least four sheep as they are herd animals and don’t do well in isolation. One sheep will become anxious alone. A small flock of 4–10 animals lets you learn without becoming overwhelmed.
Always ask yourself: how much space do you have? This will determine how many sheep you should have. A good stocking rate is about 5–7 sheep per acre of pasture, depending on your climate and forage quality.
Setting Up the Right Fencing
Secure fencing is essential. Use:
- Woven wire for permanent boundaries
- Electric netting for rotational grazing
- Livestock panels for temporary sections or around a barn
Unlike goats, sheep typically respect fencing, but rams in rut can challenge even the best barriers.
Improving Pasture and Forage
If you’re starting with an old hayfield or native grasses, consider frost seeding legumes like clover to improve forage quality. You can also create your own seed mix. Many farmers recommend orchard grass and white clover for sustainable grazing.
The key is to match your pasture to your regional climate and avoid overgrazing, allowing your grass to regrow and outcompete weeds.
Watering Options for Small Flocks
Installing underground water lines can be expensive. A practical alternative? Convert a small trailer into a water-hauling setup with troughs sized for sheep (lower than those for cattle or goats).
Always ensure fresh water access, especially in the heat of summer and during lambing season.
Feed and Supplements
While pasture should make up most of their diet, some grain supplements may be needed during lambing season, for growing lambs, or during winter. Don’t forget:
- Mineral feeder with loose, sheep-specific minerals
- Clean, fresh water at all times
- Regular monitoring of body condition
Avoid feeding copper-rich supplements designed for goats; sheep are sensitive to copper toxicity.
Providing Shelter and Shade
Sheep don’t need elaborate shelters, but protection from extreme weather is a must. A barn, three-sided shed, or lean-to is ideal.
In hot climates, sheep spend more time in shaded areas. Provide tree cover or man-made shade to keep healthy sheep cool and reduce stress.
Routine Supplies Checklist
It helps to be ready with essential tools. Here are the basics:
- Blu-Kote, Wonder Dust, hydrogen peroxide
- Needles & syringes, La300 antibiotic
- Hoof shears, drench gun, and a crook
- Nipples and bottles for orphaned lambs
Having these on hand can make all the difference in emergencies or during lambing.
Vaccination & Parasite Management
Vaccinate ewes twice a year with CD&T, especially before lambing, to protect their offspring. For parasites:
- Use fecal testing to monitor load
- Spot treat individuals with a drench gun as needed
- Rotate pastures to reduce exposure
Blanket deworming may lead to resistance. Spot treatment helps prevent long-term parasite problems.
Managing Lambing Season
Lambing season can be exciting and intense. Ewes typically lamb unassisted, but it’s wise to:
- Prepare a clean barn space for newborns
- Keep lambing supplies handy: towels, iodine, gloves, and a scale
- Be ready to help with ram lamb delivery complications
Keep a close eye for health issues, especially hypothermia and weak lambs. Early care determines long-term vitality.
Trimming Hooves and Shearing
Sheep are relatively low-maintenance, but make sure to put routine care into your calendar.
Routine care includes:
- Trimming hooves every 6–10 weeks to prevent foot rot
- Annual shearing for wool sheep
- Less frequent maintenance for hair sheep
Check hooves regularly, especially after rain or snow. Foot rot is a painful and contagious condition that can spread quickly.
Breeding and Expanding Your Flock
Once you’ve settled in, you may want to introduce breeding stock. Choose a new ram from a healthy, unrelated line and plan for one ram per 30–50 ewes.
Carefully manage nutrition and body condition before breeding. For more sheep each year, focus on breeds like Finn sheep, which are known for prolific lambs.
Sheep, Goats, and Other Animals
Sheep can cohabitate with goats, cattle, and even fiber goats, but they have unique needs. Keep feeders, mineral sources, and fencing species-specific.
Mixing with other animals can introduce disease, so quarantine any new arrivals.
Keeping Sheep Through the Seasons
In winter, sheep need more hay and protection from the wind. During lambing and breeding seasons, you’ll work more closely with them. In summer, shade, water, and parasite control matter most.
Adjust feeding and care routines based on seasonal needs, and always plan ahead.
Raising Sheep for Profit vs. Passion
Sheep can support your farm through meat, wool, or milk, but many people find the greatest return in lifestyle value. Profit depends on careful management, efficient pasture use, and selecting productive breeds.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to raise sheep takes time, patience, and planning, but it is extremely rewarding. Whether you’re raising hair sheep for meat, building a dairy sheep program, or expanding your wool production, every small farm can benefit from these versatile, gentle animals.
From show season prep to daily care, Livestock Show Specs is here to support your success, with resources, breeders, and quick access to all your stock show needs.