Anybody have sheep?

[Chase2008]

So my new dog is very keen on sheep and shows a lot of promise In Herding. So I am thinking of getting a few sheep as he would benefit on working sheep daily. I do not have enough space but the neighbor who has about an acre of unused space is willing to let me utilize his yard. So anyone with sheep willing to school me? I would fence it and provide a shelter but unsure what else is needed besides food and water. Thinking 4-6 as that would provide what I need to work. Any help is appreciated

[Chase2008]

Been working on the neighbors field and will be installing a fence next week. Then sheep to come right after. Anyone with some info on having sheep?

[Machias]

I used to have 20 Barbados sheep.  They are a hair sheep, very easy to care for, easy lambers, and taste similar to venison.   I'm not sure they would be a good breed for a herding dog to work them, as they are quite a bit more athletic than regular sheep.  Sorry, not much help for you am I. 

[Chase2008]

Appreciate the response. Started to build my fence this weekend so will be looking for sheep soon.

[runamuk]

I don't have sheep now but have in the past. When I got an aussie who showed some promise I went to an aussie breeder who also had sheep and was competitive in herding and we did some work on her sheep in her herding pen.  This was good because his natural drive was strong and in a larger field bowling for sheep happened.  Look around for a local herding person who can maybe help guide you to good sheep selection.  Not all sheep herd well as mentioned hair sheep are more primitive and don't flock up nice and tight.  It was a lot of fun and my dog eventually learned how to herd my rather squirrely sheep and he was a great help to me.  You can also use ducks for working with herding dogs a small flock of ducks can be an excellent way to start.

You dont mention the breed?  There are some differences in how the breeds herd as well, bouv's dont herd the same as aussies, and they are both different than border collies. Good luck

[Chase2008]

Thanks for the response Runamuk. I have four herding dogs. 2 border collies, a sheltie and a Belgian Tervuren. The you my BC is the boy I am working on as he has a lot of promise.  Ther terv works as well but is very raw. The sheltie and the older BC show interest but not as much

We have ducks as well but the 4 call ducks we have right now do not here well. Just picked up 5 Indian runner ducking so shall see if they here better

The gal we train with thinks she found some sheep that will fit our needs. Since I am new to it and am very green as is the BC we are looking for doc broke sheep. Want them to herd and garner well while I learn. Then will look at picking up some lambs probably next spring

[Chase2008]

Got my six sheep this weekend. Should be interesting

[Skyvalhunter]

You got your cowboy boots also?

[Chase2008]

No cowboy boots, but do have some muck boots. Should work

[Chase2008]

So the debate came up about feeding. I do not have enough pasture to support feed for them. So needing to supplement

Their only purpose is for herding practice. Hopefully daily for about 30 minutes. Other than that they will just be in pasture. No lambing. 2 Wethers and 4 ewes.

Some say that I should only need to feed hay. That should be sufficient. And can feed alfalfa pellets for treats and supplements.

Others say that hay will not give enough nutrients and need to feed alfalfa pellets consistently for calories.

Thoughts?

[Machias]

I fed straight grass hay, made sure it was good grass and then I also gave them sweet COB in the winter.  Plenty of salt and minerals and they are just fine.