Consider zoning, space, and purpose before raising sheep. Sheep need grazing land, social interaction, and proper food. Choose a breed and consider mating and birthing times. Limitations include land, shelter, medical care, and predators. Talk to a local sheep farmer about start-up costs and market value.
There are several things to consider before starting to raise sheep. First, you need to check with your local government authorities for zoning and space requirements for owning sheep. Depending on the size of your herd, you may need several acres to graze. You will also need to consider what the sheep will be used for, the money needed to properly house and feed your flock, and the amount of time you can commit to caring for your sheep.
Sheep are only able to survive on things like grass and foliage, if the land you have is of a large enough quantity and quality. If not, you will need to provide grain and hay supplements to properly feed your sheep. You should also consider that, by nature, sheep are social animals. When raising sheep, either for hoor or for profit, you will need to have at least four or five animals to start with in order to provide adequate social interaction.
There are several options available for raising sheep. Several breeds are available and some are better suited for certain purposes than others. Some breeds are bred primarily for meat production, while others are used for wool. You should consider the reasons behind your desire to raise sheep and choose the type you will need based on your reasoning.
Ewes usually mate during August or September, when the days start to get shorter. The gestation period, or the amount of time a sheep is pregnant, is about five months. This means that lambs are usually born during early spring when it gets warm again. There are several breeds that mate and give birth throughout the year, so if you want a faster mating time then one of these breeds might be a good choice.
Other things to consider when raising sheep are limitations you may have. You’ll need several acres of land to house your sheep as the flock grows, as well as a shed large enough to house them during adverse weather conditions. In addition, you must consider the costs of medical care and the number of predators in your area. Sheep are especially susceptible to mountain lions, coyotes, wolves and even neighborhood dogs.
Before deciding whether or not raising sheep is for you, talk to someone locally who has raised sheep. Discuss the exact start-up costs in your area, as well as specific items to consider, such as average weather conditions and market value of sheep and by-products. This will allow you to get an idea of how long it may take you to profit from your investment, as well as the size of the market.
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