Complete Beginner’s Guide to Raising Sheep

Raising sheep can be a rewarding venture whether you’re looking to produce wool, meat, milk, or simply enjoy their company as pastoral companions. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started with sheep farming.

Why Raise Sheep?

Sheep are among the most versatile livestock animals. They offer multiple income streams and benefits:

• Meat Production: Lamb and mutton are popular proteins worldwide
• Wool: From fine Merino to hardy Romney, wool remains valuable
• Milk: Sheep milk produces exceptional cheese and yogurt
• Land Management: Sheep are excellent at managing pastures and controlling weeds
• Relatively Low Maintenance: Compared to cattle, sheep require less infrastructure

Choosing Your Breed

The breed you choose should match your goals and local climate. Here are some popular options:

Meat Breeds

• Dorper: Hardy, heat-tolerant, excellent meat quality
• Katahdin: Hair sheep that don’t require shearing, parasite-resistant
• Suffolk: Fast-growing with lean meat

Wool Breeds

• Merino: Fine, soft wool ideal for clothing
• Rambouillet: Dual-purpose with quality wool and meat
• Romney: Long wool, good for handspinners

Dual-Purpose Breeds

• Dorset: Excellent mothers, year-round breeding capability
• Corriedale: Good wool and meat production

Essential Infrastructure

Before bringing sheep home, you’ll need:

Fencing

Sheep require secure fencing to keep them in and predators out. Options include:

• Woven wire fencing (preferred)
• Electric netting for rotational grazing
• High-tensile electric fencing

Plan for at least 4-foot high fences. Budget approximately $1-3 per linear foot.

Shelter

Sheep are hardy but need protection from extreme weather:

• A three-sided shelter works in most climates
• Allow 15-20 square feet per sheep
• Ensure good ventilation to prevent respiratory issues

Water System

• Clean, fresh water must be available at all times
• Sheep drink 1-3 gallons per day
• Consider automatic waterers for convenience

Starting Your Flock

How Many Sheep?

Start small. Five to ten sheep is ideal for beginners. This allows you to:

• Learn handling techniques
• Understand individual animal needs
• Make mistakes without major financial impact

Where to Buy

• Registered Breeders: Higher quality, health guarantees, pedigree information
• Livestock Auctions: Lower prices but higher risk
• Other Farmers: Good for local, adapted animals

Always ask about:

• Vaccination history
• Deworming schedule
• Any health issues in the flock

Basic Care Requirements

Feeding

Sheep are ruminants and primarily eat:

• Pasture: 2-4 acres per sheep for year-round grazing
• Hay: 3-4 pounds per day when pasture isn’t available
• Grain: Supplemental, especially for pregnant/nursing ewes
• Minerals: Sheep-specific mineral blocks (avoid those with high copper)

Health Care

Essential health practices include:

• Hoof Trimming: Every 6-8 weeks
• Deworming: Based on fecal egg counts, not fixed schedules
• Vaccinations: CD&T (Clostridium and tetanus) annually
• Shearing: Annual for wool breeds

Common Health Issues

Watch for signs of:

• Parasites (pale gums, bottle jaw, weight loss)
• Foot rot (limping, foul smell)
• Bloat (distended left side, distress)
• Pneumonia (coughing, nasal discharge)

Financial Considerations

Startup Costs

Item	Estimated Cost
Sheep (5-10 head)	$750-2,500
Fencing (1 acre)	$1,500-3,000
Shelter	$500-2,000
Equipment	$500-1,000
Total	$3,250-8,500

Ongoing Annual Costs

• Feed: $150-300 per sheep
• Veterinary care: $20-50 per sheep
• Shearing: $5-15 per sheep
• Miscellaneous: $50-100 total

Getting Started Checklist

• Research local zoning laws and regulations
• Choose your breed based on goals and climate
• Set up secure fencing
• Build or prepare shelter
• Establish water system
• Find a livestock veterinarian
• Connect with local sheep association
• Purchase initial flock from reputable source
• Create a feeding and care schedule

Next Steps

Once you’ve established your flock, consider:

• Joining your state’s sheep and goat association
• Attending local sheep shows and sales
• Taking workshops on advanced topics like lambing or shearing
• Developing a breeding plan if you want to expand

Sheep farming has a learning curve, but the rewards are worth it. Start small, ask questions, and enjoy the journey of becoming a shepherd.

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Have questions about starting your sheep farming journey? Browse our breeder directory to connect with experienced farmers in your area.