So, how much acerage do you need to keep a small flock of sheep?

Question

We're moving to the country, and I would like to raise a small (6-10) flock of Finn sheep for hand spinning and meat.How much land do I need to be looking for, what kind of fencing should I be looking at, and would you go with a llama or a guardian dog for security? (we'll be in the northern plains states)

Thanks!

Answer 1

Five to 10 acres will be enough for a flock the size you are contemplating, especially if you divide it into several small fields and use rotational grazing.  This is where you graze the sheep in one field until the grass is grazed very short and they've eaten everything down--not just the grasses they like--then you move them to a new field.  Ideally you have enough small paddocks that each one gets to rest a couple of months before it is grazed again so it has plenty of time for recovery.  Sheep actually improve the land they graze on tho' so if you can even have a couple of different pastures, it will help.  I would suggest guardian dogs and you will need two, really.  One stays with the sheep and keeps them safe, while the other fights off predators.  Also, one dog can't take on a whole pack of predators alone.  Good luck.  Sheep are exasperating at times but fun too.

Answer 2

With fair pasture about 2 sheep per acre, with good pasture and pasture management 5 sheep per acre.  With the Lama, another acre, so you are looking for at least around 5 acres.  I would double that if I could if you may be looking for other animals or expansion in the future.  A good sheep dog is always a good ideal. I have a good friend that raises a few sheep for spinning and selling yarn. She keeps a Lama for the yarn she gets from it and a few angora goats as well. She has now started weaving and selling different kinds of cloth as well.  She lives on about twenty acres and is trying to buy some more land.  Good Luck.

Answer 3

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