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Sheep
General  Care
 
Sheep are flock animals. Living in a flock helps them feel safe. Sheep tend to travel as though they are one entity staying very close to each other. They should always have flock friends.

Sheep should be fed twice a day and should always have fresh water. Loose mineral salt is a key ingredient in maintaining good health. The mineral salt provided for sheep should not contain added copper as this can be toxic to them. Goat and sheep mineral salt are not interchangeable.  Sheep are grazers and will eat the grass down to the ground. Orchard hay and Tifton 44 is our hay of choice. Be sure to check with your veterinarian or County Extension office for a list of plants toxic to sheep.

Sheep do not have the aversion to rain that goats do however having wool coats it is imperative that a shelter is provided so they can get some shade. We are located in Florida so the three sided open in the front shelter works well for us. It provides shelter as well as ventilation.  Most sheep have wool  but some do have hair. The wool can be can be sheared in the hot weather. 

Please consult your veterinarian about annual vaccinations and health check ups. Keep in mind that sheep are farm animals and require a veterinarian with that knowledge and expertise. Most dog and cat veterinarians are not equipped to handle farm animals.

Sheep tend to be nervous and are not as friendly as goats. Sheep that are raised as bottle babies tend to have a better bond with humans. It is in the best interest of the lamb (young sheep) not to be pulled from its mother too young. The more interaction you have with the lamb such as brushing the more tolerant they will be of people.

Sheep think with a flock mentality. All the sheep will follow the flock leader. Some people view that as stupid but it is just different. Sheep have no defense mechanisms such as kicking, biting or butting. There is safety in numbers and if they stay together they feel safe. Please bear in mind they are a seven day a week twenty four hour a day responsibility. The average life span is 8 - 12 years.

Normal Values for Sheep
Rectal Temperature:   102 - 103 degrees
Respiration:  12 - 20 breaths per minute
Heart Rate /  Pulse:  60 - 90 beats per minute

Recommended Reading:
Barnyard in Your Backyard, Edited by Gail Damerow
Your Sheep A Kid's Guide to Raising and Showing, Author Paula Simmons and Darrell L. Salsbury, DVM