How to Get Started in Raising Sheep

Raising sheep is rewarding - whether it be for one's livelihood, as a source of homegrown food or as a hobby. But success in raising sheep requires good planning in advance and solid, continual management of the sheep farm. Here are some starting pointers to help the beginner who is starting out with sheep raising. More complex topics on sheep raising will be added over the course of time.

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Sheep are kept for a number of reasons - for reasons of earning a living from their wool, hides, meat and milk; for reasons of hobby farming to obtain organic homegrown meat and for their other products; for vegetation control; or to be a pet. Some people even like to raise sheep as a replacement for empty nest syndrome. It is important to understand from the outset that you cannot try to do everything with this multi-purpose animal because different breeds are more suited to one aspect or other and the pasture, feed and production practices will vary according to what you want the sheep for. Unless you have the necessary time, appropriate experience, adequate resources and appropriate pasture, don't over-extend!^{[1]XResearch source}
Finances involved in setting up a sheep-breeding operation include the cost of the sheep, the cost of fencing, any feed required, vaccinations and vet checks and transportation costs. In addition, any requirement to stockpile food and provide a shelter for lambing and very poor weather needs to be taken into account.
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Choose a breed within these categories:
- Wool breeds - Merino, Rambouillet, etc.;
- Meat breeds - North County Cheviot, Southdown, Dorset, Hampshire, Suffolk, and Texel etc.;
- Dual purpose breeds (both wool and meat) - Columbia, Corriedale, Polypay, and Targhee etc.; and
- Triple purpose breeds (milk, wool and meat) - mainly in Europe.
Where you are and the productivity of your land will determine how many sheep you are able to sustain. Additionally, if you are seeking to make a profit from the sheep, you will need to factor in the market prices and the likely returns. In many places, it is very hard to make a profit from sheep raising on a small scale. It becomes even more difficult when the environment includes a harsh winter and additional feed and shelter must be provided for the sheep.
Determine how much land you have available for your sheep. A rough rule of thumb is 5 ewes per acre.^{[2]XResearch source}
The pasture must also be productive. Provide adequate fencing around the area to prevent wandering and to prevent dog (tame and feral) or other animal attacks. Provide some form of simple shelter for the sheep - adult sheep are fairly hardy provided you have selected the right type for the weather in your region.
Purchase sheep breeds from recognized breeders. There should be a local or national sheep breeder's association that can assist you to find the names of breeders. Check online or in phone directories.
If you can have the sheep delivered, this is obviously easier. If you must collect them yourself, hire or purchase a suitable sheep trailer for safe transportation. If you need to make several trips, make sure the breeder is not too far away from you or you may need to make arrangements for overnight accommodation for you and the sheep.
The key to feeding sheep is to ensure good quality pasture. Poorer pasture should be supplemented with hay, specialized pellet feed and salt lick blocks. When sheep are unable to graze, such as during winter when snow is on the ground or during a drought when pasture is poor or non-existent, you will be obliged to feed the sheep daily. This is a time-consuming process, so consider this possibility if you are not farming full-time.^{[3]XResearch source}
Ensure a steady supply of water, usually in the form of a long trough accessible by many sheep at once. Check regularly that the water is being recycled daily (if electrically driven by pump) or ensure to change the water by hand daily. If you don't they will get sick.^{[4]XResearch source}
If you are raising sheep for wool, showing, or as a pet, regular grooming ensures a healthy and tidy fleece.^{[5]XResearch source}
Ensure that the sheep are wormed regularly with a commercial worming paste suitable for sheep. Other considerations include dipping sheep to prevent pest infestation and in some places, tails are docked as a precaution against fly-blown disease. If you are in an area subject to foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks, take appropriate precautions to protect your sheep. Seek veterinarian advice on the best and most humane procedures for protecting your sheep against disease.

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Question
Where is the best place to keep a sheep?
Community Answer
Outside, with lots and lots of grass. Sheep love to graze. In the winter time, get some good quality dust-free hay. And don't forget a shelter. Your sheep always needs a dry clean bed to rest on too.
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How many sheep can I raise with 3 acres?
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It is suggested to stick to 5 ewes per acre, so 15 ewes would be suitable for 3 acres.
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What paperwork is needed to start raising sheep?
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In all honesty, just the green kind. The only other kind of paperwork you would need is registration papers if you are going to have a registered flock, but the breeder you are buying from will provide those papers.
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Tips

Take care of your sheep's hooves to reduce foot pain and suffering of your flock.
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Ask the breeder any questions you may have. Ensure that you keep the breeder's contact details, as you may have questions for many months to follow.
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If you are intending to breed sheep, allocate additional time to care for the ewes and lambs at lambing time. Predators must be kept at bay, the young and their mothers need to be shepherded to safe birthing places and orphan lambs will need hand-raising.
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Warnings

Always have fresh water for your sheep to drink.
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Make sure you are in a position to care for the sheep for a while.
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Dogs and foxes are number one enemies of lambs. Make sure that adequate precautions are taken ahead of lambing to keep predators out of the birthing area.
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Make sure that you are permitted to raise sheep where you are.
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Order only from a certified breeder.
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Know the price of hay; and see if it works in your budget.
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