Basic Needs for Sheep

Basic Needs for Sheep

The rural dream has become a reality and you have decided to buy some sheep. So, what are the basic needs for our ovine friends?

Paddocks with good fencing

For better grazing control, the more paddocks you can have, the better. The size will depend on how much land you have and how many sheep you want to run. The fencing needs to be sheep proof! Sheep netting (wire) is the most sheep proof, followed by seven or eight wire fences, with posts spaced close enough to have good tension on the wires. It is interesting to note that in the North Island, fences tend to be wires with battens placed quite close together, whereas in the South Island, wire netting seems to be used more and the posts are further apart. Even the seven or eight wire fences don’t have the battens at such close proximity.

Water

Ideally, you will want automatic filling to your troughs. If your sheep are going in an area where there isn’t any piped water, an IBC on a trailer connected to a trough is a good way of providing a temporary water supply. Water needs to be clean and troughs should be cleaned regularly. The size of the trough should suit the animal. Huge round concrete troughs for cows aren’t ideal for sheep - they find them difficult to reach and not enough water is consumed to keep the water fresh. Troughs can be plastic, concrete or even made from old baths set into the ground. 

Shelter and shade

Just because a sheep has wool, it doesn’t mean it likes being out in the driving rain or snow anymore than we do. Sheep will put up with rain if there is no wind, but when there is both, they often seek shelter. Shelter can be in the form of trees, sheds, walls and natural formations. Just as they like to get out of the driving wind, they like to seek shade when it is hot. Shade can reduce the chance of heat stress and loss of condition from that. 

Feed

Sheep are short grass grazers. They need at least 3 cm of pasture, but at times like lambing, they should be going onto 4 cm plus. Feed quality varies throughout the year, and there may be times when the sheep needs supplementary feeding in the form of hay, baleage, commercial sheep nuts or grain to help them through a feed deficit.

Friends

Just like humans, sheep need friends. They form close bonds in their flocks and one sheep on its own will not be a happy sheep. If you want them as lawnmowers, consider getting two or three wethers or two ewes so they will each have company.

Pen or yards

To handle your sheep, you will need a way of containing them to avoid injury to the sheep or owner. A basic pen set up and a means of running them into the pens - through two gateways in a corner, or a temporary lane made from netting may be all you need. Once again, it depends on how many sheep you are going to have. The more sheep the more elaborate the yards will need to be. If you are running a lot of sheep, you will probably need some way of drafting them. Catching sheep in the pens and putting them into other pens to sort them up can become tedious and is hard work!  

A basic veterinary kit

Like other animals, sheep can get into trouble, either through illness or injury, so it's a good idea to have a basic kit on hand. Iodine spray is a godsend for minor injuries, as are antibiotic sprays. You will probably want a pair of foot shears for trimming hooves, also some hand shears (blades) - for clipping away the wool if your sheep get flyblown. Some fly strike treatment - either a liquid you mix with water or a spray on. If you are going to be lambing ewes, you will want some veterinary lubricant, in case you have to pull a lamb out. Some sort of pick me up like Ketol -in cases of sleepy sickness and calcium for milk fever. Of course, you may never have to use any of these things, but being prepared will mean you can intervene in a timely manner without having to rush out for supplies. 

A shearer! 

Before you get your sheep (unless you are buying Wiltshires, or other types of  self-shedding sheep) sound out who can shear them for you. A local farmer, a semi-retired shearer, or people who specialise in small blocks are all avenues of sourcing a shearer.

Drench

At some stage your sheep will want drenching for worms. If you don’t have many sheep, some rural vet clinics will dispense some drench for you from a larger container. Likewise, if you are on friendly terms with a local farmer, they are more often than not happy to part with some. 

Conclusion

Sheep are very rewarding animals to keep and if you have everything you need it makes your life, and the lives of your sheep so much easier.

Last but not least

Time! Like all livestock, sheep require looking after, so time is needed to be able to address their needs. They usually require more maintenance than cattle, so having enough time to look after them properly is imperative.