Are you considering getting a starter flock of sheep? Here are some tips to think about before you go shopping for your first flock.
- What is your purpose in owning sheep? This is the first question you need to ask yourself before bringing home sheep. The answer to this question will help you make many other important decisions along the way. Do you want sheep for their wool, dairy, to maintain pasture, sell breeding stock, or for meat?
- Who will be caring for the sheep? This may seem like an odd question, but it is important when choosing the best breed for your farm and family. For instance, if you will have young children helping with chores, you may want to select a breed that is docile and enjoys being with people.
- Which breed of sheep will meet your needs? Once you have answered the first two questions, you need to decide which breed is the best match for your situation and purpose. Each breed is unique and has value. Some are best for meat production and others for wool. Some breeds are quite large and some very small. Some breeds are naturally friendly and others are more independent. You will need to do some research to learn about different breeds in order to select the best breed for your situation.
- Do you want to breed sheep? Do you want to have lambs each year? This question will help you decide whether or not you need to purchase a ram and if you need to be concerned about the mothering skills of the ewes. If you do not plan to breed, then you can bring in a flock of wethers (castrated males) and ewes.
- How many acres do you have on your property? This question determines how many sheep you can keep. The general rule of thumb is 3-5 sheep/acre of pasture, however, much depends upon the quality of the forage in that pasture. Understocking a field is always better than over stocking.
- Is there a problem with predators in your area? Ask neighboring farms if they have problems with predators. If they do, then you may need to include a livestock guardian animal in your new flock.
- Do you have a structure/barn that meets the space requirements for keeping sheep in terms of protection during winter months and lambing and hay storage? When deciding on flock size, you also need to consider how you will store hay for the winter months. Do you have a building to store enough hay for your flock? Most sheep can live outside, even in the winter months, as long as they have a protected space to go into during severe weather and shade in the summer.
The Ideal Starter Flock
The ideal starter flock is one that meets your needs and that your land can support. The ideal flock will depend upon each individual’s situation and purpose for owning sheep. The following are my go to top suggestions for formulating a flock for a new shepherd:
- Understock rather than overstock your pastures.
- A mixed flock of young lambs and older ewes provides stability within your flock as the older sheep teach the younger ones.
- If keeping breeding rams, house them away from your ewes with a wether.
- Know your area predator and ward them off with a strong charge on your fence and a guard animal.
- Visit lots of sheep farms before purchasing sheep.
- Attend sheep festivals and talk with lots of shepherds about why they like their particular breed of sheep.
- Buy sheep from a farm that manages their flock the way you want to manage your flock.
- Buy at least 3 sheep but 5 is better. Sheep are a flock animal and feel safer in numbers.
- Sheep NEED other sheep. Don’t think your herd of goats will be family to your ONE sheep.
- Read my post on questions to ask when purchasing sheep. 👉CLICK HERE TO READ POST👈
Would you like some help in making these decisions?
Kim offers consultations to small farms raising sheep. Click here for more information. She would love to help you through this process of getting your first flock of sheep.
