Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

Sheep breeding is a very profitable business, whether it be for earning money, a source of household products, or just for the soul, as a hobby. But to be successful in this business, you need to carefully plan everything in advance and in the process, thoroughly and constantly manage the farm. Below are some basic guidelines to help beginners who are just starting to master the art of animal husbandry. More detailed topics on sheep breeding will be added in the near future.

Steps

1. 1 First, determine the reason why you want to raise sheep. Sheep are raised for various reasons - as a means of earning money by selling wool, skins, meat and milk; as a hobby - for the production of organic homemade meat and other products; as a means of combating vegetation or as pets. Some people raise sheep to make up for their loneliness. It is very important to understand from the very beginning that you cannot do everything at once with this universal animal. There are different breeds that are suitable for a particular business. The process of pasture, feeding and food preparation will differ according to the sheep breeding purpose. Until you have enough time, the right experience, the right resources, and the right pasture, don’t overestimate your own efforts!
2. 2 Take into account that you will need money and time. The cash that will be needed for the sheep breeding operation includes: the cost of the sheep, hedges, feed, vaccinations, veterinary examination and transportation costs. In addition, one should not forget about the storage and stocks of feed, as well as the availability of shelter in bad weather conditions.
3. 3 Select a breed from the following categories:
   • For wool - Merino, Ramboullet, etc .;
   • For meat - Cheviot from North England, Southdown, Dorset, Hampshire, Suffolk and Texel;
   • For two purposes (both wool and meat) - breeds from Columbia, New Zealand (Corriedale), Polypay (Polypay) and Targee (Targee); and
   • For triple benefits (milk, wool and meat) - mainly in Europe.
4. 4 Decide how many sheep you plan to buy. The number of sheep you want to raise depends on where you live and the fertility of your land. Also, if you are planning to profit from sheep, you will have to consider market prices and the possibility of returns. In many places, it is very difficult to make a profit by raising small numbers of sheep. The situation is made even more difficult by weather conditions such as cold winters and additional feed and shelter costs.
5. 5 Create a good habitat for the sheep. Determine how much land you can set aside for the sheep. You will need approximately 1 acre (0.4 ha) for 5 sheep.
6. 6 Some sheep farmers believe that it is actually possible to house 18 heads per hectare. The pasture must also be fertile. To prevent erratic wandering of sheep or attacks of dogs (domestic or wild), or other animals, enclose the area with a hedge. Provide animals with good shelter. Adult sheep are quite hardy, provided that you choose a breed that adapts well to the weather conditions in your area.
7. 7 Order and purchase your chosen breed from certified and recognized sheep breeders. There should be a local or national sheep breeding society in your area who can tell you the names of sheep breeders. Check the information online or directly by phone.
8. 8 Take the purchased sheep home.It will be much easier if you order home delivery. If this option is not available, rent or buy a small suitable trailer for safe transport. If you have to make multiple round trips, make sure that the breeder's farm is close to you, otherwise you will have to spend the night somewhere.
9. 9 A good pasture is the key to success. If your pasture is barren, you will need to supplement your diet with hay, nutrient pellets and salt licks for feeding. In winter or drought, when there is no grass and the pasture is empty, you will need to feed the sheep every day. This process takes a long time. Therefore, if you are not engaged in sheep breeding on a regular basis, take this into account.
10. 10 Make sure the sheep always have fresh water. You can supply water in a long, low trough so the animals can drink freely. Make sure the water is fresh and fresh regularly. Do it with an electric pump or manually. If you don't take care of the water, animals can get sick.
11. 11 Brush and bathe the animals regularly. Whether you are raising sheep for wool, for exhibitions, or keeping them as pets, proper and consistent care will ensure a healthy and tidy fleece.
12. 12 Get rid of worms and take care of the health of the animals. Take care of the constant removal of worms with the help of a special anti-worming agent. Also, to prevent infestation of parasites, do not forget about bathing. Some areas, such as the tail, are docked to avoid infestation with fly eggs. If you live in an area that is susceptible to foot and mouth disease (diseases of the mouth and hooves), take appropriate precautions to protect the animals. For good advice, consult your veterinarian.

Tips

• If you decide to go into sheep farming, you need to allocate time to take care of the sheep and lambs during lambing. Watch out for predators. Sheep with lambs should be grazed in a safe place. Orphaned lambs will need to be self-fed.
• Ask the sheep breeders all the questions you are interested in. Save the breeder's contact details in case you have any questions in the future.
• You will need a lot of physical potential to engage in sheep farming.Perhaps you have strong guys in your family who can turn the animal, for example, to examine or trim hooves, cut hair, get vaccinated or give birth.
• Sheep waste is an excellent garden fertilizer. Sheep manure contains more nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium than horse or cow manure.

Warnings

• Always provide your sheep with fresh water.
• Make sure you have time to look after the animals.
• Dogs and foxes are enemy number one. Take care of the precautions to prevent enemies from entering the pasture.
• Buy sheep only from certified sheep breeders.
• Make sure you have permission to raise sheep on your property.
• Find out about the cost of hay and match it to your budget.

What do you need

• Wool shears
• Directory
• Sheep shampoo
• Hairbrush
• Fertile pasture
• Feed
• Sheeps