Sheep Keeping
Hands-on Introduction to Sheep Keeping
If you want to keep sheep but don’t know where to begin, this course is for you or even if you are not quite there yet and just want to spend the day with these quiet gentle animals do join us on the farm for this course
We are excited that Kieran Jones, also Farmer to the sheep at Drovers, will be running this course. Kieran looks after our flock of native Black Welsh Mountain sheep and miniature Ouessant and his own large flock of Texel. Kieran is also a master shearer and his trusty Sheep Dog is never too far away.
In this hands-on course we will cover:
- Cover sheep keeping admin: including getting your land registered as a smallholding and getting a flock number. Correctly identify your sheep (tagging, tattooing, notching). Completing a movement licence for moving sheep on or off your holding. Keeping records of movements and veterinary treatments.
- Learn about different breeds of sheep and their benefits and unique characteristics so you can choose what breed you will get
- Find out how much land you’ll need to keep sheep and the type of shelter you will need to provide.
- Understand the essential welfare needs of sheep
- Learn how to care for your sheep this includes Feeding, Feet trimming, Handling, and Fencing
- Learn how to Prevent, identify and treat common health problems.
- Raising sheep for meat and breeding.
- We will touch on husbandry. If you plan on breeding you can sign up on our follow up Husbandry/Lambing course
- This course is practical and will have hands-on time with our sheep. At the end of the day we hope you’ll leave with the confidence and enthusiasm to keep your own sheep
- There is no obligation to handle our animals but you will have plenty of opportunity should you wish to.
- If you or your partner are pregnant please read the advice from the NHS
- We normally lamb from end March-End April
- If you are interested in a day in the Lambing Shed with us do register interest. This is normally £140 and you will be notified last minute as nature can be unpredictable.
Practical details: Sheep for Beginners will run from 10am until 4pm and includes a delicious farm lunch and hot & cold drinks. Check Weather and prepare accordingly. Warm outdoor clothing, waterproofs and wellies is recommended. Courses go ahead no matter the weather. Parts of the course will be indoors and parts outdoors. You may want to bring a change of clothing
