The Poultry Keeper

broncobarb · Joined: 01 Jan 2008 Posts: 12 Location: Kent

Hi there,

I am considering getting some sheep(thinking about two) in the near future to keep an acre of grazing down around my stable block. Can anyone give me some basic advice on the care they require please. I can make more grazing available if necessary. Any help appreciated. Smile

debcat · Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008 12:56 am Post subject:

basically, they need food (in the winter), water and shelter from the weather (doesn't have to be undercover)
they need thier feet checking and trimming if needed and shearing once a year, and drenching for worms about every 3 months.
they are real characters, know exactly what a feeding bucket is and will soon recognise their names
if you only want grass cutters you'd be OK with a couple of wethers

bronskibeat · Joined: 09 Sep 2007 Posts: 1615 Location: Clawddnewydd

They will also need vaccinating against the clostridial diseases every 12 months, either with Heptavac P or similar eg Ovivac but make sure it does the basic 7 or 8 common sheep killers!! Have fun Very Happy

Sparklepeeps · Joined: 17 Jan 2007 Posts: 1950 Location: Cheshire

debcat · Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008 1:23 pm Post subject:

the outer horn of their feet grow like our nails do
some off them don't wear down fast enough and need cutting down

Drenching is worming
dipping is the big bath, thats once a year, although if you only have a few you can get an injection from the vet instead

tuzo2k · Joined: 09 Jun 2007 Posts: 179 Location: charente sw france

Not sure about in UK but in France sheep have to be ear-tagged. If you are considering breeding with them they will also need injecting with tasvax to protect them and their babies against tetanus, etc. Wethers (castrated males) as another forum member has mentioned, are a good idea if you just want lawn mowers. Jan OH Richard

milkmaid · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 7165 Location: isle of lewis

yep double tagging was brought in yesterday and electronic tagging from next year
you will also need a movement book, a holding number a flock number and a medical book ,

bronskibeat · Joined: 09 Sep 2007 Posts: 1615 Location: Clawddnewydd

You will also need to register with your Local Animal Health office to let them know you have sheep, they will then issue you with a holding number (CPH - County Parish Holding), a UK flock number and hopefully a movement and medicine book and you may also need to ring your local Trading Standards for livestock movement forms. You will not be able to order any tags for your homebred lambs without a holding number and a UK flock number or reorder lost tags.

Sparklepeeps · Joined: 17 Jan 2007 Posts: 1950 Location: Cheshire

... having second thoughts yet?

bronskibeat · Joined: 09 Sep 2007 Posts: 1615 Location: Clawddnewydd

broncobarb · Joined: 01 Jan 2008 Posts: 12 Location: Kent

Thank you for all the kind replies I'm beginning to think I might buy a ride-on mower instead! It all seems a bit complicated. I will have to do some more research I think! Very Happy

milkmaid · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 7165 Location: isle of lewis

what about a couple of geese there are some freindly sorts and they graze and are good watch dogs Wink

debcat · Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2008 1:11 pm Post subject:

geese are really easy to look after,
some sort of shelter, a bit of grain, water and grass
just don't get embdens Twisted Evil

Duckie · Joined: 24 Sep 2007 Posts: 201

but geese are scary and sheeps are great!

You might be able to find a local farmer who'll be willing to trim, shear, drench and whatever, your sheep with his in return for the fleece and any lambs. It'd be an expensive lawnmower nonetheless. I do like sheep though Smile

nigel · Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2008 3:22 pm Post subject:

while I agree that sheeps are great, I have to say that my geese have never been scary and they are totally undeserving of their nasty reputation.