Guide To Sheep Housing And Fencing

Guide to Sheep Housing and Fencing

Guide to Sheep Housing and Fencing

Proper housing and fencing are essential components of successful sheep farming. Adequate shelter ensures the health and safety of your flock, while proper fencing keeps them secure and prevents them from wandering. 

1. Sheep Housing

Sheep housing provides shelter from harsh weather conditions and a place for sheep to rest. While sheep are hardy animals and can usually handle a variety of climates, they require protection from extreme cold, excessive heat, heavy rainfall, and strong winds. The type of housing you provide should depend on your local climate, flock size, and farming goals.

1.1 Basic Housing Requirements

When designing sheep housing, consider the following essential requirements:

• Protection from the Elements: Sheep need a shelter that protects them from wind, rain, and extreme temperatures. A simple three-sided structure is often sufficient in areas with mild climates, while a fully enclosed building may be necessary in areas with harsh winters.

• Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent the buildup of moisture and ammonia from urine and feces. Ensure that the shelter has enough airflow to keep it dry and well-ventilated, especially in warmer months.

• Flooring: The floor should be easy to clean and provide a comfortable surface for the sheep. Dirt floors with good drainage are common, but you can also use concrete floors covered with straw or bedding to absorb moisture and waste.

• Space: Sheep need enough space to move around comfortably. Overcrowding can lead to stress, disease, and injury. As a general rule, allow about 15 to 20 square feet of space per adult sheep in the shelter. Lambs need less space, but they should still be separated from adults to avoid injury.

• Bedding: Bedding such as straw or hay can help absorb moisture and provide a clean, dry resting area. Be sure to replace bedding regularly to maintain cleanliness and reduce the risk of disease.

• Feeding and Watering Areas: Provide designated areas for feeding and watering. Feed should be kept off the ground to reduce waste and contamination. Clean water must be available at all times, especially during the hot months when sheep need more hydration.

1.2 Types of Housing

• Open Sheds: These are simple structures with three walls and an open side to allow for airflow. Open sheds are suitable for mild climates but might need additional insulation or windbreaks in colder areas.

• Barns: A fully enclosed barn offers the most protection from the weather. This type of shelter is ideal for colder climates where snow and wind can be a problem. Barns can be equipped with pens or stalls to separate sheep when necessary.

• Mobile Shelters: In some systems, such as rotational grazing, mobile shelters (often called “shepherd’s huts” or “sheep wagons”) are used. These are small, portable structures that can be moved around pastures to provide sheep with a fresh, dry area regularly.

1.3 Special Considerations for Lambing

Lambing is a critical time for both ewes and lambs. During lambing, it’s important to have separate pens or lambing jugs where ewes can give birth in a calm, clean, and secure environment. These pens should be clean, dry, and large enough for the ewe to move around but small enough to prevent the lamb from wandering too far.

2. Sheep Fencing

Fencing is one of the most important aspects of managing a sheep flock. It helps keep your sheep safe from predators, keeps them from wandering off, and allows you to manage grazing areas effectively. The type of fencing you choose will depend on factors such as the size of your farm, the type of sheep you're raising, and the presence of predators in your area.

2.1 Types of Fencing

There are several types of fencing commonly used for sheep:

• Woven Wire Fencing: This is one of the most common types of fencing for sheep. Woven wire fences are sturdy, durable, and effective at containing sheep. The wire is woven together to create a strong, tight barrier that sheep cannot easily push through or get tangled in. It is ideal for containing larger flocks and is usually combined with wooden or metal posts.

• Electric Fencing: Electric fencing uses an electric current to deter sheep from touching or attempting to cross the fence. This type of fencing is often used in conjunction with other types of fences to provide a psychological barrier. It’s especially useful for temporary grazing areas or rotational grazing systems.

• Barbed Wire: Barbed wire is less commonly used for sheep due to the risk of injury. While it can keep sheep contained, it’s more suitable for livestock like cattle that are less likely to get tangled in it. Barbed wire fences should be avoided or used cautiously with sheep, especially in areas with lambs.

• Post and Rail Fencing: This type of fencing is commonly used for aesthetic purposes or when a strong visual barrier is desired. It’s made of horizontal rails attached to vertical posts. While this can be a strong physical barrier, it may not prevent sheep from slipping through the gaps unless it's reinforced with wire.

• High-Tensile Fencing: This is a more durable and low-maintenance option. High-tensile wire is stretched tightly between strong posts, creating a strong barrier. It’s resistant to wear and tear and requires less maintenance than woven wire.

2.2 Fence Height and Spacing

The ideal fence height for sheep is between 42 to 48 inches. Sheep are not great jumpers, but they may push or lean against a fence, so a sturdy, properly spaced fence will prevent them from escaping. For woven wire fencing, ensure that the vertical wires are spaced closely enough (usually 4 to 6 inches apart) to prevent lambs from slipping through.

2.3 Fence Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential to keep your fencing in good condition. Check for any broken wires, leaning posts, or areas where sheep might be able to escape. Electric fencing needs to be checked periodically to ensure the electric current is functioning correctly. Clear brush and debris that may interfere with the fence, and replace any damaged components immediately.

2.4 Predator-Proofing

If you have predators in your area, additional measures may be necessary to protect your sheep. This could include adding electric wires along the bottom or top of your fence or reinforcing the fence with predator-proof mesh to keep animals like coyotes or dogs out.

3. Fencing Layout and Grazing Systems

In addition to keeping sheep contained, your fencing should be designed to facilitate effective grazing and pasture management.

3.1 Rotational Grazing

Rotational grazing involves dividing your pasture into smaller sections (or paddocks) and rotating your sheep between them. This allows pasture to recover and regrow after grazing. Fencing is essential for implementing rotational grazing, as it requires moving sheep from one paddock to another. Temporary electric fencing can be an effective and affordable way to create new paddocks.

3.2 Herding Fences and Holding Pens

You may also need additional fencing for handling and moving your sheep, such as for herding or sorting. Holding pens are smaller, enclosed areas where sheep can be contained for shearing, medical care, or other purposes. Make sure these areas are easy to access, secure, and large enough to handle the number of sheep you need to manage.

Providing adequate housing and fencing for your sheep is essential for their health, safety, and productivity. A well-designed shelter protects them from the elements and ensures they have a clean, dry place to rest. Meanwhile, a strong, secure fence keeps your sheep contained and protects them from predators. Investing time and effort into planning your sheep housing and fencing, you will create an environment that promotes the well-being of your flock and the success of your sheep farming operation.