Useful Information About Miniature Sheep Cotopaxi Colorado
You are reading this article right now because you some spare space on your farm or ranch and want to fill it up with some miniature sheep. This is a first for you, so before you do go out and buy some from the nearest miniature sheep Cotopaxi Colorado dealer, you will need to have some information. Do read on in this article to find out if these herd and flock animals are up your alley and you are fit for it.
By any means, you know that the decision that you are about to make is by no means simple or even small. Thus to guide you in making and informed choice, you will need to have a simple checklist to guide you. This will aid in reminding you of what is important and also of what steps are needed so that you can make a final decision with confidence.
First in the checklist is to take a stock inquiry on yourself. Gauge your readiness in terms of dedication to take care of this breed. Remember that you need to take care and look after them at least twice a day and make sure that they always have fresh food and water. This is on top of regular hoof trimming, deworming and shearing.
Should you think of getting around five ewes to start out with then you will need at least an acre of land for your new flock. This is because they gestate pretty fast and can give birth twice a year under the right conditions, usually after every five months. The ewes of this breed will give birth to twin and and triplets on a regular basis so you can expect to have a flock of almost twenty or more by the end of one year.
Due to their size and vulnerability, the land that they should be kept on should also be fenced off to ward off predators and other animals which may compete with them or hurt them unwittingly. A good livestock guardian dog is also something that you should be thinking of getting, and most recommended for this task is the Komondor, the Kazakh Shepherd or even the Maremma Sheepdog.
You should also build a good shelter in the form of a three sided shed. The shed will be to protect the sheep and lambs from wind, snow, sleet and rain. Remember also that this is a breed that likes its comfort so do build accordingly to its needs.
Feeding this breed is fairly straightforward and will need clean grass to feed on in the summer and hay in the winter. However, you should have adequate hay storage facilities, and ones that will not produce or induce moldy hay. Be prepared to spend a bit more in getting fresh hay during the winter as this sheep cannot be fed old hay either. Once in a while they can be given a treat of nuts and grains by way of hand feeding.
And most importantly do take note that these are flock animals and should not be kept separated from others of their own kind. They should be kept together as much as possible.
By any means, you know that the decision that you are about to make is by no means simple or even small. Thus to guide you in making and informed choice, you will need to have a simple checklist to guide you. This will aid in reminding you of what is important and also of what steps are needed so that you can make a final decision with confidence.
First in the checklist is to take a stock inquiry on yourself. Gauge your readiness in terms of dedication to take care of this breed. Remember that you need to take care and look after them at least twice a day and make sure that they always have fresh food and water. This is on top of regular hoof trimming, deworming and shearing.
Should you think of getting around five ewes to start out with then you will need at least an acre of land for your new flock. This is because they gestate pretty fast and can give birth twice a year under the right conditions, usually after every five months. The ewes of this breed will give birth to twin and and triplets on a regular basis so you can expect to have a flock of almost twenty or more by the end of one year.
Due to their size and vulnerability, the land that they should be kept on should also be fenced off to ward off predators and other animals which may compete with them or hurt them unwittingly. A good livestock guardian dog is also something that you should be thinking of getting, and most recommended for this task is the Komondor, the Kazakh Shepherd or even the Maremma Sheepdog.
You should also build a good shelter in the form of a three sided shed. The shed will be to protect the sheep and lambs from wind, snow, sleet and rain. Remember also that this is a breed that likes its comfort so do build accordingly to its needs.
Feeding this breed is fairly straightforward and will need clean grass to feed on in the summer and hay in the winter. However, you should have adequate hay storage facilities, and ones that will not produce or induce moldy hay. Be prepared to spend a bit more in getting fresh hay during the winter as this sheep cannot be fed old hay either. Once in a while they can be given a treat of nuts and grains by way of hand feeding.
And most importantly do take note that these are flock animals and should not be kept separated from others of their own kind. They should be kept together as much as possible.
About the Author:
You can get valuable tips on how to pick a miniature sheep Cotopaxi Colorado breeder and more information about an experienced breeder at http://www.lilburrheadranch.com/about now.
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