How much land do sheep need?

[Clouded]

I can't find anyone to answer this for me, surely someone here would know. If I were to have a a few sheep how much land would I need for them, more than 5 acres?

[jonvee]

If you're going to drylot feed the sheep then they can be raised in a small paddock with a shelter. But, if you plan to pasture raise sheep with limited amounts of grain then figure an acre or two per adult sheep depending on the breed and the amount of feed they need.

I live on a 1/3-acre and my daughter raises lambs for the country fair and one for the freezer. They get a 6' x 12' section of the barn for shelter and their outside area is 16' x 24'.

For more info on starting with sheep check out "Raising Sheep the Modern Way" (book) or SHEEP magazine.

Good luck I loved raising sheep.

[momma_to_seven_chi]

I don't have sheep, but my Dad's family raised them. He always said one acre per sheep of good grassy pasture. Weeds and brush would be more per sheep. They are very picky eaters unlike goats.

[harvester]

Sheep are grazers, goats are browsers. One acre per head for each animal, wether goat or sheep. However it has to be properly furnished. Esp for the sheep. Goats will do fine in a grassy pasture, but sheep will not do well in a brushy forrest.

[Clouded]

Thanks for the info, I have not been able to find anyone with sheep experience around here.

[jonvee]

If you're looking for mentors try the county cooperative extension office, 4-H office or farm bureau for names of people who raise sheep. Also check to see if any of the local High Schools have FFA programs, community colleges with ag programs or your county or state fair. Livestock people love to talk livestock.

I might be able to direct you better if I knew where you live. Maybe just the state if you're more comfortable with that cause there's lots of livestock events you might be interested in.

[Anon001]

I agree with Jonvee. Call your extension office. They can tell you how much area per head of sheep based on your type of grass. It varies based on geography and types of grass.

[Clouded]

I'm in NC, I will probably give the Ag extention a call if I ever take the pluge to get livestock, but right now it really isn't an option with money and time like it is. I think I have enough land for sheep or goat though. But thanks for the heads up and everything.

[Anon001]

If you are new to livestock and have a choice between goats and sheep...sheep are much easier to keep for someone new to livestock..not only that, but you don't have to shear a goat every year which is really serious back breaking work.... I don't mind working hard, but I don't wanna shear sheap....

[harvester]

been there done that and i swear i will never do that again! i had to sheer mine twice a year. one full shear and one breeding sheer. nasty work. and i dont like mutton i found out. i went to goats, nice meat with the right breed for it, and excellent milk if you handle it properly.
your ext office will be able to tell you who the sheep and goat breeders are in your area as well as who the main contact is for most all livestock large and small.