Raising Sheep

Small Ruminants

People across the US raise sheep for wool, meat, milk, and to help manage pasture and brush. They are a good fit for homesteaders, small farms, and hobbyists because they are relatively small, gentle, and can do well on grass. Sheep are social flock animals, so they suit anyone who can keep at least a few together and enjoys steady daily chores.

Getting started

Before you bring sheep home, check your local zoning and any county or city rules about the number of livestock allowed and required setbacks from property lines. Plan on daily chores such as feeding, checking water, and looking over the flock, plus seasonal work like shearing and hoof trimming. Start with a small group of two or more, since sheep are herd animals and do poorly alone. Good places to find animals include reputable local breeders, farm sales, and 4-H or FFA connections, and your local Cooperative Extension office can point you to resources in your area.

Housing & protection

Sheep need a clean, dry, well-ventilated shelter such as a simple three-sided shed or a barn stall that protects them from wind, rain, and summer sun. Strong fencing is essential to keep the flock in and predators out, and woven wire or multi-strand electric fencing are common choices. Provide dry bedding and keep the shelter free of manure buildup to help keep the animals comfortable. Because dogs, coyotes, and other predators are a real risk in most regions, many small flocks are protected with a guardian animal or secure night housing.

Feeding & water

The base of a sheep diet is forage, meaning good pasture grass in the growing season and quality hay when pasture is short or during winter. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times, and sheep also need access to loose minerals formulated for sheep rather than those made for other species. Grain is sometimes fed in small amounts during certain life stages, but many sheep on good forage need little or none. Because nutrition needs change with the season, life stage, and your local conditions, ask your local Cooperative Extension or a licensed veterinarian for a feeding plan suited to your flock.

Space & daily care

Space needs depend on your land and climate, but a common starting point is roughly one acre of good pasture for a few sheep, with more land needed on poorer or drier ground; rotating them through smaller paddocks helps the grass recover. Each sheep can drink a couple of gallons of water per day, and more in hot weather or while nursing lambs. Plan on daily checks of water, feed, fencing, and the general condition of every animal.

Common breeds & types

• Katahdin (hair sheep)
• Dorper (hair sheep)
• Suffolk
• Hampshire
• Dorset
• Southdown / Babydoll Southdown
• Merino
• Icelandic

Things to consider

Startup costs include the animals, fencing, shelter, water setup, hay, minerals, and equipment such as shears and hoof trimmers, so budget before you buy. Common challenges for beginners include predator pressure, internal parasites, foot care, and getting fencing right, and needs vary a lot by region and climate. Always work with a licensed veterinarian for any health, disease, breeding, or care questions, since this guide is general husbandry information and not medical advice. Your local Cooperative Extension office is an excellent free resource for region-specific guidance on pasture, nutrition, and the rules and regulations that apply where you live.

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Page updated Aug 4, 2026.