| People don't usually raise sheep for pets and to some | | | | • Because sheep are good natured and are social |
| the idea is kind of "out there." However, if you are | | | | animals, it is recommended to keep more than one. |
| one of those unconventional pet owners or | | | | Just make sure that you have the males neutered if |
| collectors, or you have a thing for farm animal pets, | | | | you don't want them to breed or reproduce. |
| or you simply want something wooly and says | | | | • Making a home for your sheep involves using |
| "baaaa," then we can't blame you-love for pets | | | | sturdy fencing because sheep are known to find |
| should be universal, what ever kind they may be. | | | | "holes" in fences. Also keeping them away from |
| Sheep are generally good natured animals and can be | | | | other pets such as dogs and other animals is best |
| good pets for children and the disabled. Raising sheep | | | | because even though they may not attack your pet |
| as pets teaches responsibility and to some may also | | | | sheep, they may bring plenty of stress especially if |
| be a good companions for the lonely. | | | | your ewe is pregnant. |
| Here are some tips on how to raise sheep as pets: | | | | • Feeding sheep is easy. Sheep prefer to eat |
| • First is to consider your finances. Raising sheep | | | | weeds, grass and clover. They're diet isn't very strict |
| as pets is easy to manage because they aren't | | | | and would even eat plants you don't want them to |
| difficult to keep and feed. However, you must have | | | | eat or vegetable in your garden. A mature sheep |
| enough money to buy materials for their fencing or | | | | only requires eating about 2 percent of its body |
| housing, for vaccination, stockpiling food or feeds, | | | | weight per day. It only requires 8 to 10 percent of |
| among other needs. | | | | protein in its diet. |
| • You need space to keep your sheep. There | | | | • If you plan to raise sheep as pets, it is best if |
| are rare cases when sheep are kept inside a home. | | | | you keep one that does not need sheering. |
| Sheep that are kept as farm animals require a couple | | | | However, for the very wooly-coated sheep, it is |
| of acres of land especially if they get their food from | | | | important to sheer them during summer for they can |
| grazing. However, a big backyard of at least 50 | | | | suffer from a heat stroke. |
| square feet will suffice where definitely grass will be | | | | • Finally, keeping your pet sheep healthy involves |
| an insufficient food source. In this case, and you can | | | | regular visit to the vet, where they'll get their shots |
| feed it hay or other types of feeds that are available | | | | and vaccinations to avoid diseases. |
| in the market. | | | | Raising sheep as pets have been known to be |
| • The next step is deciding the breed. Any type | | | | therapeutic for some people and is a good idea for |
| of sheep breed can be kept as pets, however | | | | people that like keeping farm animals. Just be sure |
| miniature breeds are available and are recommended | | | | that you are mindful of the basic necessities and |
| if you want to raise sheep as pets such as the | | | | knowledge required for raising a sheep. |
| Nigerian Dwarf or Pygmy. | | | | |