By Ginny Morris

Things to consider before raising sheep.

Before you actually decide to breed or raise sheep. Do as much research into the job itself as you can.
First are you financially secure enough to raise sheep. Normally raising and breeding animals will not make you much profit in the long run but usually breaks you even on your spending. For the first few years you will find though it's a serious money vacuum.

Do you have enough acreage, along with housing appropriate for your areas yearly weather conditions?
Where will you be buying feed, health supplies, brushed ectra.
Are you prepared to take on multiple animals ranging between 50 and 500lbs? Which are not guaranteed to like you?

What are the common killers of sheep?

Internal parasites, you will come across this often since sheep are outdoors often. You must be prepared for treating any of your sheep for this issue. The drug you will need handy just in case is called Anthelmintics.

Natural food chain, in creating a large abundance of sheep running around your farm. You are putting a large red target on your home for coyotes, wolves, mountain lions and dogs.
Investing in good fencing and guard animals will help with this. The seemed to be current favorite method is electric fencing.

Where can I find help if I need it?

Your own state or county, land grant universities and extension services, can be good sources to either seek help or receive a list of people who can help you with your current situation or problem.

Magazines and miscellaneous media, have lots of educational sources on sheep and farming.

Local organizations, most communities have groups of sheep owners who get together and help each other.

And the number 1 source books go to your local library there have been a lot of books published on perfecting the methods of raising sheep.

All in all just remember not everything is as easy as it looks on television or when someone else is doing it. Breeding takes a lot of patience and a lot of time and dedication. When getting into the animal business you may not be getting back out of it.

What should I know about sheep?

Sheep are social creatures and must be kept in numbers and not singled out.
Specific breeds serve specific purposes, wool, meat, and wooless sheep, all come from different breeds of sheep. So find out what breed is best for you.
A sheep's gestation period is 5 months.
50% of sheep will have twins.
Can be weaned at 1 month old.

Hope you still feel sheep are right for you.