Everything you need to know about caring for a small flock!

There’s a lot more to owning a small flock of sheep than you first may think! Keeping sheep from escaping the field is just one of many challenges a farmer faces when deciding to take on the role of shepherding.

Legal Documents

First things first, you must register the land you intend on keeping the flock. You must obtain a County Parish Holding (CHP) number for the land. This can be issued by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA).

Additionally, you must obtain a Movement License for the flock, reporting any activity the flock makes after purchase.

Following this, once your flock is moved to your land, you must register them to DEFRA.

Now the flock is on your land, they need to be Ear Tagged. All breeding animals must have an electronic tag in one ear, and a visual in the other.

For more information on the legal requirements of owning your own flock, visit the Natioanal Sheep Association.

Land and housing

It is highly recommended that you build strong, sturdy fencing prior to moving the flock- sheep are great escape artists! Having a big enough field for the flock is one thing, but being able to meet the requirements for keeping sheep in the winter is another! During the winter months, it is advisable that you bring your flock into a well-ventilated barn with deep straw bedding and access to water and feed. The flocks’ grass-based diet can be supplemented with either good quality hay/ or haylage. 

Routine Treatments

Routine treatments can differ from one Shepard to another depending on their intentions for the sheep, however, the following basic treatments are essential for the care of your flock.

Worming- This is vital for keeping your flock healthy and parasite free! For more information about worming your flock, visit  www.scops.org.uk

Foot care- It is advised that you footbath your flock every time they come in for handling to avoid issues such footrot and abscesses. Footrot can also be avoided by regularly moving water throughs and feeding areas to prevent the sheep from gathering in one space.

Shearing- Some breeds of sheep do not require shearing due to either being a wild breed or having hair-like fibres, instead of wool, however, most sheep do require shearing at least once a year. Parasites and flies tend to borrow in sheep’s wool, laying eggs and eating away at the flesh. This is called Fly Strike and can be very painful for the sheep, with some cases leading to death. Although there are many medications that can help prevent this, the best action to control the infection is to shear the sheep. Shearing is also essential for keeping your sheep cool in the summer months, with wool being a great insulator of heat!

 

For more information about how to care for a small flock of sheep, visit the National Sheep Association.