Raising Sheep: Feed, Fencing & Flock Management Guide

Sheep are dual-purpose grazers providing meat, fiber, or both. A small flock of hair sheep requires less infrastructure than cattle and provides lamb, grazing management, and wool or pelts depending on the breed.

Feed needs

An average 150 lb ewe eats hay at 3% body weight — 4.5 lb per day. Late-gestation or lactating ewes add 0.5–1 lb grain per day.

Space requirements

Ewes need 15–20 sq ft of barn shelter per head. On pasture, stock 4–6 ewes per acre on good grass with rotational grazing.

Water needs

Sheep drink about 1.5 gal per head per day. Lactating ewes may need up to 2 gal in hot weather.

Tips for success

• Use guardian animals (dogs, llamas, or donkeys) — sheep are highly vulnerable to predators.
• Shear wool breeds once yearly in spring before lambing and before heat stress.
• Rotate pastures every 3–5 days to manage internal parasites and improve forage recovery.

Common mistakes

• Feeding copper-supplemented goat minerals to sheep — copper is toxic to sheep at goat levels.
• Fencing with barbed wire alone, which does not contain or protect sheep.

Estimates only — consult your local extension office for advice specific to your land and animals.