Ten Tips for Health & Happiness

1. Establish regular feeding times. Feedings are usually given once in the morning and once in the evening.
2. Stick to the regular diet. Add the new feed and reduce the old feed over a period of several days to avoid making the sheep sick when you do need to change feed.
3. Provide plenty of fresh water. Water is an important part of your sheep’s good health, and they will drink more if it’s fresh.
4. Feed balanced rations. Base your sheep’s diet on feed analysis and nutritional requirements. If your sheep are getting their nutritional requirements through quality hay or pasture, don’t feed grain.
5. Practice good hoof care. Trim hooves once or twice a year.
6. Ear tags. Animal identification is imperative for good record keeping. Knowing which animals are production and which aren’t saves $$ over time.
7. Construct good fences. Everyone will be happier if the sheep remain where you would like them to be.
8. Compost that manure. Well-maintained pens will keep your sheep healthier, provide a good working environment, reduce flies, and help the garden grow.
9. Think like a sheep. Minimize stress. Herd and work around your sheep quietly with consistent gentle handling.
10. Provide shade. An open-sided shed, shade trees, or canopy roof can keep sheep cool in the summer.
11. Provide predator protection. Coyote-proof fencing, llamas, donkeys, and guard dogs can protect against predators.