Owning and raising sheep may appear to be a straightforward task at first glance. Provide adequate nutrition, comfortable shelter, and constant access to fresh water – it seems like a breeze. However, the simplicity of sheep care quickly gives way to more complex tasks such as trimming hooves or administering medication, leaving many novice sheep owners intimidated by the prospect of handling their flock.
The fear is understandable, given the potential risks of causing harm to either the animal or oneself. Yet, surprisingly, sheep are surprisingly resilient creatures that can withstand even the most inexperienced of handlers once you’ve grasped the basics. In reality, it’s not about physical strength or size; rather, it’s a matter of understanding what works and what doesn’t.
Why Correct Sheep Handling is Important
Effective sheep handling is crucial for any shepherd, as it not only mitigates stress for both parties but also minimizes the risk of injury. The benefits extend beyond just physical well-being, as proper handling techniques can also preserve the quality of valuable products such as milk, meat, and wool. This trifecta of advantages underscores the importance of developing a harmonious relationship with your flock, one that is built on mutual respect and understanding.
10 Step-by-Step Tips For Handling Sheep With Ease
Step One: Consider the Purpose
Before attempting to handle your sheep, it’s essential to define the purpose behind doing so. Don’t simply go through the motions out of habit or curiosity. Only intervene when a specific action is required, such as trimming hooves, administering medication, or conducting routine checks like anemia testing. When handling is necessary, consider whether a simple rubdown and upright hold will suffice, as this might be all that’s needed for tasks like oral drenching or eye inspections.
However, if you’re looking to perform more involved procedures like hoof trimming or sheep shearing, you’ll need to employ a more comprehensive approach, such as flipping or ‘rump’ handling. This technique may present a slight challenge, but it can be mastered with practice and patience.
Step Two: Remain Calm
When interacting with livestock, particularly sheep, it’s crucial to maintain a calm demeanor. Sheep are highly attuned to their handler’s emotions and can sense anxiety, even if it’s not overtly apparent. To establish a trusting relationship, take time to simply sit with your flock each day, allowing them to become comfortable with your presence. Reward them with occasional treats and learn to recognize their unique personalities.
Remember, sudden or frantic movements can be perceived as threatening, so prioritize slow and deliberate actions when entering the pen.
Step Three: Create a Holding Area
When managing your flock, remember that smaller is often better when it comes to holding pens. Aim for a space that provides enough room for you to work comfortably, but not so vast that your sheep can easily make a break for it.
In the photo above, we’re showcasing one of our ewes in a lambing jug – essentially a mini-enclosure designed to keep her and her newborn close at hand.
As part of our regular maintenance routine, we needed to get the ewes up to date on their dewormers and hoof trimming. So, we opted to house them with their lambs for a few days after giving birth.
As you can see, this particular pen is just large enough to give the ewe some room to move about without allowing her to make a getaway. To accommodate multiple sheep, consider using livestock panels or other creative solutions to create larger holding areas.
Step Four: Mind the Flight Zone
Every animal has a distinct ‘personal bubble,’ also known as the flight zone, which determines how close an individual will allow another to approach before feeling threatened and taking action. For sheep that haven’t developed a trusting relationship with humans, their flight zone is typically more extensive – they’ll swiftly move away as soon as you enter their perceived vicinity.
By recognizing and respecting your flock’s unique patterns, you can estimate their approximate flight zone and subsequently manage their pace by maintaining a safe distance. If you want to encourage the sheep to cease fleeing from you, it’s essential to step outside of their personal space, thereby avoiding encroachment into their flight zone.
Step Five: Avoid Grabbing the Horns – Learn Proper Positioning Instead
While some sheep may sport horns, it’s essential to exercise caution when interacting with them. Rather than attempting to grasp a horn as leverage, it’s better to adopt a gentle approach that prioritizes both your safety and the sheep’s well-being. A more effective method is to place one hand under the sheep’s jaw, applying just enough pressure to encourage it to back into you rather than push forward.
This simple yet intuitive technique allows you to maintain control without risking injury or discomfort for either party.
Step Six: Brace Yourself
As you position yourself alongside the sheep, ensure one hand is firmly under its chin and the other prevents it from making a break for freedom. To maintain control, keep both hands on the sheep and gently press it against a nearby fence or wall, positioning it between your knee or leg and the barrier. Depending on your stature and that of your sheep, you may be able to straddle the animal at this point.
While not ideal for prolonged procedures like shearing or hoof trimming, this technique can prove effective for brief tasks such as administering oral dewormers or conducting a quick eye examination.
Step Seven: Consider Using a Halter
While the initial method may not be effective for all sheep or if you need to keep them contained for an extended period, employing a halter can provide a reliable solution. Training a sheep to wear a halter allows you to walk alongside it and eventually tie it to a fence to maintain its standing position. However, this process requires dedication and time, making it unsuitable as a last-minute alternative.
Step Eight: Flip and “Rump” When Necessary
Mastering the art of flipping and ‘rumping’ your sheep requires patience, practice, and finesse. When working with your flock for extended periods, this technique is essential to avoid fatigue and ensure a safe, comfortable handling experience. The process involves a combination of gentle guidance and subtle pressure, as you coax the sheep into a sitting position on its rump.
To initiate the flip, begin by positioning yourself alongside the sheep, with your knee pressed against its hip and one hand grasping the chin. Your other hand should rest on the opposite hip. Use your dominant hand to carefully turn the sheep’s head toward its rear, taking note of how this natural reflex often prompts the animal to sit down. As the sheep begins to comply, apply gentle pressure with your knee to further guide it into a seated position.
As you guide the sheep onto its rump, be mindful of your physical positioning and maintain a firm yet gentle grip to avoid causing discomfort or injury. Avoid pulling on the wool, as this can lead to bruising on the underlying skin. With persistence and practice, you’ll develop the necessary skills to successfully flip and ‘rump’ your flock.
When flipping sheep, it’s often beneficial to withhold food and water overnight to minimize any discomfort or stress caused by their weight pressing against the diaphragm. This can lead to wheezing and fighting, making handling more challenging.
With a successfully flipped and ‘rumped’ sheep, you’ll be well on your way to establishing a strong bond with your flock.
Step Nine: Wash Your Hands
When interacting with sheep, whether before or after handling them, it’s crucial to prioritize hand hygiene. The reason is twofold: not only can wool be grimy and lanolin unpleasant on your skin, but sheep can also harbor a range of diseases that you can contract. It’s essential to take this risk seriously and make sure to wash your hands thoroughly to minimize the chance of transmission.
Step Ten: Consider Investing in Sheep Handling Equipment and Systems
When it comes to handling sheep, there are numerous equipment options available. One potential investment is a well-trained sheepdog, which can prove invaluable when herding sheep. Beyond that, tools like gates and loading chutes can simplify the process, making life easier for you in the process. Furthermore, these systems often prioritize the safety of your flock, providing an added layer of protection.
Handling Sheep When They’re Pregnant
When it comes to handling pregnant ewes, it’s crucial to exercise caution. While they can be managed similarly to non-pregnant sheep, I prefer to wait until after lambing or before gestation to perform maintenance tasks like hoof trimming. This approach helps minimize unnecessary stress and potential complications. If handling is unavoidable, it’s recommended to employ gentle methods, such as holding the ewe against a wall, rather than flipping or rummaging her.
This technique allows for safe and efficient administration of care, including eye checks, vaccinations, and other essential procedures.
The #1 Tip For Handling Sheep: Interact With Them Regularly
Developing a strong bond with your sheep requires more than just physical interaction – it demands a deep understanding of their behavior and personalities. By establishing a regular routine of engagement, you’ll not only cultivate trust but also develop a keen awareness of their unique characteristics.
The importance of breed-specific traits should not be overlooked either; while some breeds like Dorsets are renowned for their docile nature, others like Icelandics can be notoriously challenging to handle. As you get to know your flock, the process of handling them will become second nature, and before long, you’ll be effortlessly guiding your sheep with the finesse of a true shepherd.
