Raising a sheep
Sheep are ruminants, meaning possessing a multiple-compartment stomach containing microbes that help in digestion. Sheep have the ability to survive without grain supplement. Just like cattle, they can utilize silage, hay and other by-products. Sheep prefer moving around in groups. So this means that having one sheep for raising is not a good idea at all. So it is advisable that you have four to five sheep in minimum.
Sheep are seasonal breeders which takes place usually during the months of August and September. However some breeds are capable of breeding all through the year.
Sheep enemies
The major enemies of a sheep are predators and internal parasites. Severe infection of internal parasite can lead young lambs to death. However, the sheep owner can control this problem. Use of drugs such as anthelemintics help in killing infectious parasite. Certain practices such as pasture rotation can also be utilized to prevent parasites in sheep.
Sheep predators
Sheep predators include wolves, coyotes, mountain lions and most commonly dogs. Often neighbors’ dogs cause this problem. This problem can be taken care of by proper fencing or providing with a guard animal such as llama. Availability of power fence chargers helps in keeping predators at bay. Other than llamas, several breeds of dogs can also be used as guard animals.
Sheep grazing
Area available for grazing is very important while it comes to raising sheep. Since they consume grass and shrubs, one should take care of the pasture to a large extent. One should consider the number of sheep to be kept in the pasture. For example, six ewes are equivalent to one cow and her calf.
It is advisable that you grow hay in the pastureland to be able to feed the sheep. Another thing that one can indulge in is to purchase hay at the time of harvesting and store it in a good place. By-product feeds including materials from garden, peanuts, corn, soybeans and even one-day old bread can be well used to feed sheep.
Building equipments
Sheep require minimal building equipments to survive. They can survive outside without a barn as long as some shelter can be provided from harsh weather. Shelter can come in the form of converted machinery shed and old garage. Dry, open-sided and well ventilated shelters turn out to be the best for sheep.
Fencing
Fencing is one of the most important elements of successful sheep operation. A well constructed fence will protect sheep from predators. Traditionally a woven wire was used as a fence. Nowadays wire enabled with electric chargers is made use of to ensure protection.
These are some of the basic thing that one should keep in mind while rearing a sheep. If these are properly taken into consideration, rearing sheep will become easier.