Sheep

sheep

Sheep are adorable with their naturally wooly coats. With all that wool comes responsibility, though. If you're considering raising sheep, you should know what it entails to take care of them. That way, you're prepared for their arrival and aren't overwhelmed after you adopt them.

Housing

What type of outdoor housing you have for your sheep will depend on the climate you have. For instance, if you live in an area that gets cold during winter, you'll need a barn or pole building. On the other hand, if you live in an area with a milder climate, you can build them a simple shelter that keeps them safe from the elements.

Fencing

The fencing you choose doesn't have to be extremely tall to keep your sheep in. Generally, you want to make the fence between 32 to 40 inches tall.

You'll want to choose a woven wire fence, electric wire fence, or barbed wire fence to keep your sheep in. You'll want them to have enough room to roam and graze. To get an idea of how much outdoor space you need for sheep, contact your local government to ensure you're following the rules of your area.

Feeding and Water

Make sure your sheep have fresh water each day. They should always have water available to prevent dehydration.

Sheep are grazers, but you need to feed them hay as well. The hay that you feed them should be free of a moldy or musty smell. If it doesn't smell normal to you, you should avoid feeding the hay to them and buy fresh.

In the winter, include grain in their diet if you notice they're losing weight. This will help to compensate.

Shearing a sheep isn't an easy feat. It's best left up to the professional sheep shearer. This will also reduce the stress you have when it comes to caring for your sheep. Plus, if you plan on showing your sheep, they have certain rules on how the shearing is done. How the sheep are shorn also depends on their breed. Once a year in the spring, you should contact a shearer and have your sheep sheared. The shearer may also trim your sheep's nails.

Sheep have unique needs due to their wool. However, this doesn't make them bad pets. It just means that you have an extra step to take. Other than that, caring for sheep is relatively similar to other farm animals.

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Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Chocowinity Office

Monday:

7:30 am-5:30 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-5:30 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-5:30 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-5:30 pm

Friday:

7:30 am-5:30 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

Sunday:

For After Hours Emergencies 252-321-1521

Pet Emergency Clinic of Pitt County

3210 S. Evans St. Greenville, NC 27834

Testimonials

Feedback from our clients

  • "Highly recommend Chocowinity Vet if you want excellent care for your pets and an extremely friendly and helpful staff! They were able to get us in immediately today (Saturday) when one of our dogs had an infected hot spot that needed treatment. Within 20 minutes of my phone call to them I was walking in the front door and straight into an exam room! Thank you so much!"
    Stacy McClary
  • "I wish I could give this place 10 stars, I have never been more pleased with a group of vets and vet techs! Everyone was so caring and inviting. Becky and all the others took great care of my Ozzy before, during, and after his surgery, all while not draining your bank account. I highly recommend"
    Demi Makajla Justesen
  • "Thank you again! You all are amazing ..I always recomed you and always will.I appreciate the care and treatment of my dogs .the staff and vets are amazing"
    Lisa Uptown Henderson
  • "Very friendly and helpful staff. I love it when General is lounging on the counter, waiting to be pet."
    Teresa Pless White
  • "Swift Creek Doodles love Chocowinity Veterinary Hospital! The caring team there makes it a welcoming and friendly environment. Always looks and smells very clean inside which is something I look at every time I walk in. Doctors are very understanding with issues and explain everything in detail. After the switch from a vet hospital in New Bern, I can really tell a difference in care. Thank you for taking care of our doodles!"
    Will Grant