Next, you need to own at least one really good book on keeping sheep. It doesn't matter if you do or don't like to read; you need this book for the sake of your sheep! Purchasing this book before you get your sheep is a good idea!
Magazines pertaining to sheep and fleeces, sheep in general, grass management, and organic management are available. Take advantage of those that interest you.
You might want to join an email group or message board that discusses your particular breed, or the manner in which you wish to keep your sheep. These email groups are friendly and helpful, often able to give advice in a crisis when you might not be able to contact your vet. Some of these groups encourage chat and some prefer to keep posts on topic. Following the group rules will prevent you from getting thrown out of the group. Reading your sheep book before asking questions will endear you to the group; constantly asking remedial questions that are easily found in a book tends to annoy other list members. You will be one of those "old timers" on the list soon enough, so do unto others...
General Care and Management of Sheep
You want some sheep. You want to keep them in an environmentally responsible manner, using natural feeds and little or no chemicals for their upkeep. Keep reading!
Here you will find resources to aid you in your quest. The best books, the best magazines, the best websites, the best email groups associated with keeping sheep organically and on pasture are listed below.
First, you need to choose a breed that is hardy to begin with. American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, Rare Breeds Survival Trust or Rare Breeds Canada are a good place to start investigating which ancient or rare breeds are in need of conservation, but keep in mind that not all rare or hardy breeds are listed at these organizations. Most of the time, these breeds will also be extraordinarily easy to keep, more so than your typical white sheep. You will find these types much more interesting, and will be saving a rare breed in the process!
Choose a breed that thrives in your climate; trying to keep an animal in an alien climate may be a challenge you are looking for, but if you want to keep problems to an absolute minimum, a breed already suited to your climate is in order. This advice goes for all types of livestock, not just sheep.
Some people feel that they shouldn't start out with a rare breed of sheep if they have not kept sheep before, thinking that they should begin with some "cheap sheep." You can do that, but look at the money and time you will be wasting.
It generally costs more to keep a cheap sheep than a sheep that sells for a realistic price. Real farmers, thoughtful farmers, honest farmers sell their livestock for a price that generates at least some profit. Buying "bargain bin" sheep is the same as patronizing puppy mills, you get what you pay for. Patronizing "backyard breeders" hurts both you and the honest farmer.
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You will also want to join the association that registers your breed of sheep. This is very important; keeping a rare breed without registering them does not help you, your sheep or the breed. Your breed's association is there to assist you in many ways, including putting your contact information out there for other buyers to find. Support them so that they may support you!
Finally, you will want to take advantage of the many websites that offer information on keeping your breed in particular, or keeping sheep in the manner that you choose. Many are listed here.
Enjoy your sheep!
