How To Keep Sheep As Pets

How to Keep Sheep as Pets

How to Keep Sheep as Pets

Keeping sheep as pets can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for those who have the right space and resources to care for them. Sheep are intelligent, gentle animals that can form strong bonds with humans. While they are often raised for farming purposes, such as for wool, milk, or meat, they can also make great companions for individuals who want to keep them as pets. If you're considering keeping sheep as pets, here’s a practical guide to help you get started.

Why Keep Sheep as Pets?

Sheep can be wonderful pets for several reasons:

1. Gentle Nature: Sheep are naturally calm and social animals. They often form strong bonds with their caretakers and can be very affectionate.

2. Easy to Manage: Sheep are generally low-maintenance animals compared to other farm animals like cows or horses. They are easy to handle, especially if they are raised from a young age.

3. Enjoyment of Their Company: Sheep have unique personalities and can be fun to interact with. They also have a calming presence, making them enjoyable companions.

4. Educational Value: If you have children or are interested in learning about animal husbandry, sheep can be an excellent learning opportunity. Caring for sheep helps teach responsibility, routine care, and the basics of farming.

5. Wool Production: If you’re interested in wool, some pet sheep breeds produce a significant amount of fleece, which can be used for crafting and spinning.

Considerations Before Getting Sheep as Pets

Before you decide to keep sheep as pets, it’s important to consider their needs and how they will fit into your lifestyle. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

1. Space Requirements

Sheep need enough space to graze and roam. They are grazing animals, and a minimum of one acre of land is recommended for a small flock. If you don’t have access to large plots of land, make sure you can provide an enclosed pasture area for them to graze in. The space should have enough grass to sustain them, or you may need to supplement their diet with hay.

2. Fencing

Sheep are escape artists, and they require secure fencing to keep them safe and contained. Fencing should be at least 4 feet tall, made from durable materials like woven wire or electric fencing. Ensure that the fencing is tall enough to prevent the sheep from jumping over, and secure enough to keep predators out.

3. Shelter

While sheep are hardy and can tolerate various weather conditions, they do need shelter, especially during extreme weather. A simple shed or barn can provide a dry and protected area where they can rest, especially in colder months or during rainstorms. The shelter should be well-ventilated and large enough for the sheep to move around comfortably.

4. Time Commitment

Although sheep are relatively low-maintenance, they still require regular attention. This includes feeding, grooming, hoof trimming, and health checks. Ensure you have enough time to devote to their care before bringing sheep into your home.

Choosing the Right Breed of Sheep for Pets

When selecting sheep as pets, it’s important to choose a breed that is well-suited for companionship. Some sheep breeds are better for pet ownership than others, based on their temperament and size. Here are a few good options:

1. Miniature Sheep Breeds: Smaller breeds are generally easier to manage and better suited for a homestead or small yard. Examples include:

   • Ouessant: One of the smallest breeds of sheep, known for its gentle nature.

   • Babydoll Southdown: A small, friendly breed that is easy to handle and makes a good companion.

   • Soay Sheep: These are hardy, small sheep that are very easygoing and social.

2. Sheep for Personality: Some larger sheep breeds also make great pets due to their friendly nature:

   • Hampshire: Known for their calm temperament and intelligence, Hampshire sheep can be quite affectionate.

   • Shetland: Shetland sheep are friendly, easy to handle, and also produce high-quality wool.

3. Wool Considerations: If you're interested in wool, look for breeds that produce a lot of fleece, like Merino, Romney, or Cotswold. However, keep in mind that wool breeds will need to be sheared at least once a year.

Caring for Sheep as Pets

1. Feeding and Nutrition

Sheep are herbivores, and their diet mainly consists of grass, hay, and sometimes grains. If you have a pasture, they can graze on grass. In the winter or during droughts, supplement their diet with high-quality hay. For extra nutrition, especially for pregnant or lactating ewes, you may need to provide grain or a special supplement.

• Salt and Mineral Supplements: Sheep need access to a salt block or mineral supplement to maintain good health.

• Fresh Water: Always provide fresh, clean water for your sheep. This is especially important in hot weather or when they are eating dry hay.

2. Health Care

Regular health checks are essential for maintaining a healthy sheep. Key areas of care include:

• Vaccinations and Deworming: Consult with a veterinarian to develop a vaccination and deworming schedule. Common vaccinations for sheep include those for tetanus, clostridial diseases, and pneumonia.

• Hoof Care: Sheep’s hooves should be trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks to prevent overgrowth and injury. If left untreated, overgrown hooves can cause lameness and other issues.

• Parasite Control: Sheep can be susceptible to internal parasites. Regular deworming is important to keep them healthy, especially if they are grazing in the same area frequently.

3. Shearing

Sheep produce wool, which grows continuously throughout the year. If you have a wool breed, you'll need to shear your sheep annually. This helps keep them cool in the summer and prevents their wool from becoming matted. You can either shear them yourself if you're comfortable doing so or hire a professional shearer.

4. Socialization and Exercise

Sheep are social animals and should not be kept alone. It’s best to have at least two sheep so they can keep each other company. They need plenty of space to roam and exercise. A small flock will be happier and healthier if they have room to graze, play, and interact with each other.

Building a Bond with Your Sheep

Sheep can form strong bonds with their caretakers, and social interaction is important for their well-being. Here are some tips for building a relationship with your sheep:

• Spend Time with Them: Spend time sitting or walking with your sheep daily. Over time, they will learn to recognize you and associate you with food, care, and positive experiences.

• Gentle Handling: Always handle your sheep gently and calmly. Sheep are sensitive to sudden movements or rough handling, so approach them quietly and patiently.

• Training: Sheep can be trained to respond to basic commands or even walk on a leash. Training them with positive reinforcement (treats and praise) will help create a strong bond.

Keeping sheep as pets can be a fulfilling experience for those who are prepared to provide them with proper care and attention. Sheep are gentle, affectionate animals that can be great companions, especially in small homesteads with enough space for grazing and shelter. Selecting the right breed, ensuring they have proper nutrition, health care, and socialization, you can enjoy the company of your sheep for many years. Whether you’re interested in their wool, their calm nature, or simply enjoy having them around, sheep can make wonderful pets for the right home.