Can anyone advise me on keeping sheep

[sophie]

Looking on the net is driving me nuts, i cant seem to find what i want!

im interested in keeping a couple of sheep when i move house and would like to know things like apart from going to the dfra for a licence what othewr sort of paperwork do i need? and my mother in law keeps going on about by laws?! so i assume im going to have to find somewhere that has this law to let you keep them?!

where can i get all the info i need on keeping them? where to buy them? thanks.

[red]

I'm guessing from your reference to DEFRA that you are based in the UK

you will need land that is registered as a holding, and get a number for that - you dont have to own the land, but you will need the holding number CPH . if the land you have in mind is a big garden - it is possible there are restrictions on keeping livestock there.

you will have to keep records of animal movements on and off the land - not difficult, and fill out forms when you move the animals - called animal movement licence. also not hard.

best first step is to phone defra -they are very helpful and should point you to your nearest animal health - or whatever they are calling themselves now, and they should be able to tell you everything you need to know re paperwork and legalities.

regarding the actual keeping of the sheep themselves, you will have to think about how you will get them sheared, where you can learn about sheep husbandry etc. see if there is a local small holders association in your area, often they run cheap courses and you can get in touch with other shepherds in your area

[oldjerry]

That's really good advice,Isaw this post and didn't really know where to
start.Of all the livestock you could chose,surprisingly given their size,sheep are maybe the most specialized you could start with, In my opinion,even a couple of beef cattle would be easier. But best of luck, ask away(first stop DEFRA website) best Wishes.

[windbreck]

There is an old saying that "It is a sheeps ambition to die and a shepherds job to stop it". They are not always an easy animal to keep.
I agree with oldjerry, cattle are much tougher and more forgiving.
Having said that, sheep can be good to keep but a good deal of learning is required, especially about minerals and diet.

[daddymatty82]

where you have livestock you got deadstock. i think that is aimed at sheep lol there in the species good luck with your idea keep at it and im sure you will do good