With proper care, sheep have a life expectancy of approximately 10 to 12 years. If you raise these animals for their milk or wool, you’ll want them to live long and healthy lives so that your agricultural operations remain productive. Review this guide to learn more about your flock’s needs, from shelter to livestock feed.

4 Important Sheep Care Tips

1. Handling

Sheep can be skittish and sensitive to loud noises. While herding them in pastures or moving them to barns, avoid yelling or using loud equipment that might scare them. While milking or shearing them, use a rope halter that will hold them steady and help them lie down without causing discomfort or distress. 

2. Hydration

Make sure your sheep always have access to clean water by keeping plenty of troughs near barns. Prevent them from spilling or toppling over by using heavy containers and tanks.

Automatic livestock waterers are convenient because they have sensors that detect low fluid levels and replenish them as needed. Additionally, they have warming systems that keep water from freezing when temperatures plummet during winter. 

3. Feed

Sheep typically consume hay, clover, and mixed grasses in pastures and require about eight hours of daily grazing. Since livestock feed may contain grains that have a high fat content, feed it to underweight sheep that aren’t producing or those with dental issues that make it difficult for them to chew grass or hay. 

4. Shelter

At night and during harsh weather conditions, keep sheep in a pole barn with a dirt floor that provides traction to prevent slipping and damaging ligaments or joints. Give each animal about 25 square feet of space and plenty of straw to use as bedding. Replace moist or soiled straw each day to avoid mold and bacteria buildup. Add vents to the roof and siding to aerate noxious odors. 

When you need livestock feed for sheep, goats, and horses, get in touch with Clifton Feed and Service Center. They provide farm and ranch products along with pet supplies to clients throughout Bosque County, TX. Call (254) 675-3416 to place an order for bulk livestock feed, or visit the website to learn more about how they can help you care for your animals and outdoor areas.