The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: moprabbit on July 14, 2022, 07:50:35 pm

Title: Keeping sheep cool?
Post by: moprabbit on July 14, 2022, 07:50:35 pm

With this up and coming hot weather, just wondered if anyone had any advice about keeping their sheep cool? Mine have a shed to go into but that still gets very warm, I've got loads of water buckets about. I'm constructing a canopy on the outside of the shed with a sheet. Just wondered what anyone else does. Thank you

Title: Re: Keeping sheep cool?
Post by: Richmond on July 15, 2022, 07:55:58 am

Do they have natural shade eg trees or hedge as well as the shed? Ours seem to prefer that rather than their shelters. As we have no grass now - it's all turned a horrible crispy brown :(  - as well as feeding hay I am cutting hazel and willow branches and standing them upright in a bucket of water and fixed to a post. I'm trying to cut them as long as possible so they form a sort of canopy as they droop but they are getting eaten quite quickly so the shade doesn't last for long, but I'm sure it's better than nothing.

Title: Re: Keeping sheep cool?
Post by: moprabbit on July 16, 2022, 04:48:09 pm

Thanks for your reply Richmond. I've got mine some willow and Hazel which they love. Do you know if beech is a OK for sheep?
Now it's just keeping the water buckets full!!

Title: Re: Keeping sheep cool?
Post by: Richmond on July 17, 2022, 08:40:40 am

Yes beech is fine too. Ours love it.

Good luck with the heat over the next few days - I'm dreading it.

Title: Re: Keeping sheep cool?
Post by: moprabbit on July 17, 2022, 12:41:30 pm

I am too, Richmond! Just been and bought a fan to have on whilst I'm with the sheep!!