Sheep

If you want the pound-for-pound most versatile livestock animals you own, you’ve got to get sheep. Sheep produce wool, of course, and also delicious, rich, smooth milk. But they’re also an important source of meat, and have long been kept and raised around the world for the purpose. Lamb and mutton isn’t that popular here … Read more

If there’s one thing that most domestic animal species enjoy compared to their wild cousins, it is a diet of safety, security, and variety. Whereas a wild animal will have to eat what it can get, no matter how unpalatable it seems or how questionable its safety is, animals that are under the care of … Read more

You know, every once in a while, animals can surprise you. Sometimes it’s with their intelligence, and sometimes it’s by doing things that you didn’t know they could do. Sometimes, it’s even the things they eat! I think everybody knows that all animals have a preferred and typical diet, but sometimes they have to make … Read more

If you live on a homestead or a farm with lots of different animals running around, you probably already know that, from time to time, different critters are going to get into each other’s food. No matter how hard you try, that’s just the way it is. And even when it comes to our sheep, … Read more

You might not know that sheep can actually eat a surprising variety of vegetables as a supplement to their typical diet of pasturage and other greenery. It’s true! And though sheep might not have access to a wide variety of veggies in the wild, that shouldn’t stop you from serving them to your flock. It … Read more

Sheep are often stereotyped as strict grass eaters. After all, that’s what you’re likely to see them eating day in and day out when they are moseying around the pasture. In truth, sheep can actually eat a wide variety of things, but compared to most other livestock species, they tend to subsist on a pretty … Read more

If you imagine what a typical mealtime looks like for sheep, it probably consists of them strolling placidly around a pasture eating grass all day. And I’m here to tell you that you’d be right, but something to think about is that it’s not strictly grass that’s growing out in that field. There are actually … Read more

When you think about sheep and the typical foods that they eat, you probably think about leafy greenery, right? Grass, leaves, a little hay, things like that. It just makes sense, and indeed those tend to be the choice items on the menu for sheep whether they are domestic or wild. What you might not … Read more

Sheep, like most of our animals, really do appreciate a nice, tasty treat now and again. But compared to handing over a snack to a dog, cat, or horse, you’ve got to be more cautious with sheep. As ruminant animals, their digestive system is far more prone to upset, and that can have dangerous consequences … Read more

If you picture all sheep as cute, cuddly little lambs, you might be surprised to learn just how big sheep can get. Although most domestic sheep way between 100 and 200 pounds, some breeds can actually clear 250 pounds, and some can reach a mammoth 350 pounds or more! And, believe it or not, these … Read more

Sheep are commonly stereotyped as animals that subsist entirely on grass, but maybe a little bit of hay for variety. Most of us seasoned shepherds know that just isn’t true, but what is true is that compared to many animals sheep do indeed have a pretty limited diet, and they can’t eat just anything. However, … Read more

Sheep are capable of eating a remarkably varied diet once you come to understand their needs and nutritional requirements. While it’s true that they often live on a diet that is mostly grass and hay, they can eat all kinds of veggies and also grains. Often, they don’t need a lot of these foods in … Read more

When it comes to sheep, if you’ve spent any time as a shepherd or you’re just interested in these animals generally, you’re certainly familiar with the famous Merinos, Suffolks, Hampshires, and Dorpers. And there are many other common domestic breeds besides, but what if you don’t want a common breed of sheep? What if you … Read more

If the first word that comes to your mind when you think of sheep is wool, you aren’t alone. Sheep are indeed the world’s most important wool-producing livestock species. But what you might not know is it not all sheep actually produce wool. Even the ones that do, including the ones that are well-known for … Read more

One of the most exciting times on any homestead is when one of your animals is due to deliver a baby. And it always means there’s going to be a lot to do, but the joy and wonder associated with a new addition to your flock or herd is always a special time. But in … Read more

If you take care of animals on your farm or homestead, the miracle of birth is always an exciting but very busy time. There’s going to be a whole lot to do in the coming days, and more than that pregnant animals need special care and often special accommodations as the big day draws near. … Read more