The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: KeeleyR on September 17, 2012, 07:08:36 pm

Title: Another sheep starter needing advice :)
Post by: KeeleyR on September 17, 2012, 07:08:36 pm

Hi

Can anyone give guidance on the smallest amount of sheep you can have in a flock and the size of the land they would need

Thanks :)

Title: Re: Another sheep starter needing advice :)
Post by: woollyval on September 17, 2012, 07:38:18 pm

2 and about half an acre.....but its a lot more complicated than that.....

Title: Re: Another sheep starter needing advice :)
Post by: KeeleyR on September 17, 2012, 08:23:03 pm

Thanks Val :) feel free to add any other comments about complications...
Would you recommend a certain amount?
I see you have a b and b and run courses! We love it down your way and are massive fans of Exmoor

Title: Re: Another sheep starter needing advice :)
Post by: Blackbird on September 18, 2012, 10:22:24 am

Keeley, I read somewhere that you need a minimum of 5 sheep for them to diplay normal flocking behaviour. We have 5 which we rotate with the ponies in 4 paddocks of about 1 acre each.

Title: Re: Another sheep starter needing advice :)
Post by: in the hills on September 18, 2012, 11:03:23 am

Only kept sheep for a couple of years so a complete novice.


Think it would depend on many factors, such as


Do you intend to breed, fatten for the freezer,lawnmowers .... purpose for keeping sheep?
Breed you choose. You maybe able to keep more if a smaller breed.
What kind of land you have/ quality of grazing.
Whether you are prepared to give additional feed than the grazing available.
The more kept per acre - probably means more worming needed , more chance of poached ground, disease, etc.


I was given lots of different answers to the how many should I keep/start with. Lots of different opinions out there. Most people I asked said at least 3 sheep.


As I say I have not kept sheep for long so not very qualified to give advice. Hopefully someone will be along soon with more experience.  ;D

Title: Re: Another sheep starter needing advice :)
Post by: woollyval on September 18, 2012, 12:34:40 pm

There are so many ifs, buts and maybes, just as  outlined above! But if you had access to half an acre and wanted to raise a couple of lambs for the freezer you could,, with not too much bought in feed. Or....if you wanted a couple of pet sheep this would be enough for say a couple of small breed sheep as it could be divided and rotated in the same way large acreages are....just in miniature!
Not everyone wants lots of sheep and some people do keep them for pleasure and lawn mowing with wool as the crop to be harvested each year. 2 sheep is a minimum as they need another sheep for company!  :thumbsup: