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How To Raise Sheep – 2 Important Factors You Should Know Before You Start Raising Sheep

2016/5/3 16:30:06

There are many possible reasons why you want to know how to raise sheep. You could be thinking of raising sheep for profit, for the environment (such as helping improve an agricultural landscape), or for fun (such as a hobby to make yourself busy with when you’re retired).

Once you have determined your reasons for wanting to know how to raise sheep, you can move on and use tried and tested methods. If you want to raise sheep for economic purposes, it’s best if you consult an expert who can make plans on a grander scale. Nevertheless, this 2 tips you’ll discover in this article will suffice for fundamental sheep-raising operations.

1) Housing: There are a variety of housing types you can choose from. Traditional barns and pole or metal buildings are some of the most common. While these can be expensive, they also offer the best protection. Think of it as a wise and necessary investment. If you’re on a strict budget, you could go for what is known as a hoop house, a greenhouse-type construction with a vaulted metal frame covered with thick fabric. Whatever type of shelter you choose when you’re learning how to raise sheep, remember that you don’t have to build it new. Old facilities for poultry, swine and dairy can be utilized once thoroughly cleaned and redesigned to accommodate sheep. It’s best to provide bedding to give your sheep warmth and comfort. Straw is the common choice for bedding, but you can use hay, a cheaper alternative.

2) Feeding: It is highly recommended to use feeders that are raised above the ground to avoid wastage and the spread of diseases. Grain feeders come in various types, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Whichever you choose, don’t forge to clean it after every feeding. Once your sheep are ready to eat hay, feed the hay in bunks along a fence line. If you opt for rations, you can make use of less feeder space; on the other hand, if you have more sheep, it’s better to feed them all at once using more feeder space. Of course, don’t forget their water, which no doubt has to be clean. Books on how to raise sheep will tell you that these creatures are big on water, consuming to up to four gallons a day.

A good quality sheep does not come out of pure luck or genes alone. Rearing sheep takes time and a huge amount of commitment but the rewards can be enticing if you stick to it long enough.

Searching for more tips on raising sheep? Visit the how to raise sheep site today to find out everything you need to be aware and how simple it is to raise your own sheep. Just go to: www.howtoraisesheep.com