Sheep

Sheep are common to see on a farm. Sheep are meat animals and they are also very important because of their wool. Sheep are herd animals and you should never keep a sheep alone. They do best in large numbers. They have a life expectancy of about 10-12 years.  Sheep belong to the ruminant classification of animals meaning that they have a four chambered stomach and they do the cud-chewing behavoir. The cud-chewing behavoir is a process in which that food is regurgitated, re-chewed, and swallowed again. Sheep are grazers, their diet consist of forages such as: grass, weeds, hay, and silage. Sheep love to eat grain but too much can make them sick or even kill them. Small amount of whole grain to a sheeps diet is ok and will keep them very happy. Sheep like any other animal need routine checks to make sure they are healthy and happy. They need to be on a de-worming scheldule at least twice a year. If you notice any sickness in your sheep herd contact your local veternarian immediately. Sickness and disease can spread very rapidly through your sheep herd. Sheep are a prey animal when it comes to predators. When danger arises they flee not fight. Animals that prey on sheep are coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, and Fox. Many sheep farmers keep a herd dog with the sheep to maintain safety within the herd. A popular herd dog is a great pyrenees. This is a very large breed dog that is bred to stay with the herd and protect them. The dog never bothers the sheep. He does an excellent job protecting the herd. By followint these simple steps to sheep care you should maintain a healthy and productive herd.