Can I Have a Pet Lamb? Everything You Need to Know About Pet Sheep

Thinking about adding a fluffy friend to your family? The idea of a pet lamb might conjure up images of idyllic countryside living and cuddly companions. And you’re not entirely wrong! Sheep, including lambs, are increasingly popular as pets, known for their gentle nature and responsiveness to human care. They can be wonderful animals to have around, bringing a unique charm to your home and garden.

However, before you rush out to find a lamb, it’s crucial to understand what’s involved in keeping sheep as pets. This guide will walk you through everything you need to consider to make an informed decision and ensure a happy, healthy life for your potential pet lamb.

Is a Pet Lamb Right for You? Essential Considerations

Bringing any animal into your life is a big commitment, and pet sheep are no exception. It’s not as simple as bringing home a puppy or kitten. Here are some key questions to ask yourself:

Are Farm Animals Allowed? First and foremost, check your local zoning regulations and any rules within your housing development or neighborhood. Many areas have restrictions on keeping farm animals, including sheep. It’s essential to confirm that you are legally allowed to keep sheep on your property before you proceed any further.
Do You Have the Time and Resources? Sheep require daily care, including feeding, watering, health checks, and ensuring their environment is safe and clean. This isn’t a pet that can be left alone for extended periods. Consider your daily schedule and whether you genuinely have the time to dedicate to their needs. Also, factor in the financial costs, including food, fencing, shelter, and veterinary care.
What’s Your Plan B? Life is unpredictable. What will you do if you need to move? What if your pet sheep doesn’t thrive in your environment or you find you are unable to care for it long-term? Rehoming sheep can be challenging, especially if they are accustomed to being pets. Having a contingency plan is responsible pet ownership.
Companionship is Key: Sheep are flock animals and are happiest and healthiest when they are with other sheep. You should never keep a single sheep. If you’re considering a pet lamb, you should ideally get at least two to ensure they have companionship and can exhibit natural herding behaviors.

Choosing the Right Pet Sheep Breed

Just like dogs, sheep come in various breeds, each with different characteristics. While any breed of sheep can be kept as a pet, some are better suited to the role than others.

Miniature Breeds: For pets, smaller breeds are often preferred due to their manageable size. While there aren’t specifically “miniature” sheep breeds in the same way as miniature goats, some smaller breeds and crosses can be excellent choices. Consider breeds known for their smaller size, such as certain crosses of Shetland sheep or smaller hill breeds if available in your area.
Hair Sheep: Low-Maintenance Coats: Hair sheep are a fantastic option for pet owners, particularly beginners. Unlike wool sheep, hair sheep don’t require shearing. They naturally shed their winter coats each year, making their care significantly less labor-intensive in terms of coat maintenance. Popular hair sheep breeds include Dorper, Katahdin, and St. Croix.
Wool Sheep: Consider the Commitment: If you’re drawn to wool sheep breeds, be aware of the annual shearing requirement. Shearing is essential for their health and comfort, especially in warmer climates. You’ll either need to learn to shear yourself (which takes practice and the right equipment) or hire a professional shearer each year.

Gender Matters: Ewes, Wethers, or Rams?

The sex of your pet sheep will also influence their behavior and suitability as pets.

Ewes (Females): Female sheep, known as ewes, are generally docile and make excellent pets. They are typically gentle and easier to handle, especially if raised with human interaction from a young age.
Wethers (Castrated Males): Wethers, or castrated male sheep, are also popular as pets. Castration reduces aggression and eliminates the strong odor associated with intact males, making them calmer and more pleasant companions. Wethers grow larger than ewes but are still generally gentle.
Rams (Intact Males): Intact male sheep, or rams, are generally not recommended as pets, especially for inexperienced owners or families with children. Rams can become very large and aggressive, particularly during the breeding season. They are known to butt and can be dangerous. Their strong odor during mating season is also a significant consideration.

Horns or Polled (Hornless)?

While most sheep breeds are naturally polled (hornless), some can have horns. Goats, on the other hand, are almost always born with horns. For pet sheep, polled animals are generally safer and more practical. Horns can pose a risk of injury to other animals, people, and even the sheep themselves if they get caught in fences. If you are considering horned sheep or goats, extra caution and management are necessary.

Creating a Safe and Secure Environment

Just like any pet, sheep need a safe and appropriate environment to thrive.

Fencing and Containment

Proper fencing is absolutely crucial for keeping your pet sheep safe and contained, and equally importantly, for keeping predators out. Sheep are prey animals and are vulnerable to attacks from dogs, coyotes, and other predators.

Woven Wire Fencing: Woven wire or net wire fencing is the most common and effective type of fencing for sheep and goats. The tight mesh prevents sheep from getting their heads stuck and also deters most predators.
Electric Fencing: Electric fencing, especially high-tensile electric fences, can be a very effective deterrent to predators and can also help to contain sheep. However, it may be less practical for small pet enclosures and requires proper installation and maintenance.
Solid Fencing Options: Split-rail or board fences can be aesthetically pleasing but are not sufficient on their own for sheep. They must be reinforced with mesh wire or electric wires to prevent escapes and predator access.
Avoid Barbed Wire: Barbed wire is not recommended for sheep and goats. It can cause serious injuries if they become entangled.

Shelter and Exercise Space

Sheep need both shelter from the elements and adequate space to exercise.

Pasture is Ideal: Ideally, your pet sheep should have access to a pasture. An acre of pasture can typically support a couple of sheep. Pasture provides natural grazing opportunities and space for exercise.
Pens and Yards: If pasture is not available, a large pen or yard is necessary. Aim for at least 50 square feet per sheep for an exercise yard.
Simple Shelter is Sufficient: Sheep need protection from rain, snow, wind, and extreme sun. A simple three-sided shelter or a small shed will suffice. The shelter should be well-ventilated and kept dry to prevent health problems. Goats are particularly averse to getting wet and will seek shelter more readily than sheep.

Keeping Your Pet Lamb Healthy

Maintaining the health of your pet sheep is paramount to their well-being.

Parasite Control

Internal parasites, commonly known as worms, are a major health concern for sheep and goats.

Natural Worm Load: It’s normal for sheep to have a small number of worms, but excessive worm burdens can cause serious illness and even death.
Barber Pole Worm: The barber pole worm is a particularly dangerous blood-sucking parasite. Signs of barber pole worm infestation include pale eyelids (an indicator of anemia).
Deworming: Regular fecal egg counts and strategic deworming are essential for managing parasites. Consult with a veterinarian to establish a parasite control program appropriate for your sheep and your location. Use dewormers approved for sheep and goats, and be aware of potential drug resistance.
Coccidia: Coccidia are another type of parasite, particularly affecting young lambs. They can cause diarrhea (scours) and stunted growth. Coccidiostats can be used preventatively, especially in young animals.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are a crucial part of preventative healthcare for sheep.

CD-T Vaccine: Annual vaccination against clostridial diseases, specifically overeating disease and tetanus, is highly recommended. The CD-T vaccine is commonly used and is administered as a subcutaneous injection. Initial vaccination requires two doses, 3-4 weeks apart.
Rabies Vaccination: Consider rabies vaccination, especially if you live in an area where rabies is prevalent. Rabies vaccination must be administered by a veterinarian.

General Health Monitoring

Regularly observe your sheep for any signs of illness.

Signs of Sickness: A sick sheep may isolate itself, lose appetite, hang its head, droop its ears and tail, or grind its teeth (a sign of pain).
Temperature: Normal body temperature for sheep is 102-103°F. A temperature above this range indicates a fever and possible infection.
Consult a Vet: If your sheep shows signs of illness, consult with a veterinarian experienced in sheep and goat care. Prompt veterinary attention is crucial for many sheep health issues.

Hoof Care

Regular hoof trimming is essential for preventing lameness and hoof problems.

Frequency: Hoof trimming frequency varies depending on the individual sheep and their environment, ranging from every few months to once a year.
Proper Tools: Use hoof shears specifically designed for sheep and goat hooves.
Trimming Technique: Trim away excess hoof growth, being careful not to cut too deeply and reach the blood supply (indicated by pink tissue). The goal is to create a balanced hoof that allows for normal walking.

Feeding Your Pet Sheep

Proper nutrition is fundamental to the health and well-being of your pet sheep.

Ruminant Diet Basics

Sheep are ruminants, meaning they have a four-compartment stomach designed to digest fibrous plant material. Their natural diet consists primarily of forage.

Forage is Key: The foundation of a sheep’s diet should be forage, such as pasture grasses, hay, and browse (shrubs and leaves). Sheep are grazers and prefer grasses and clover.
Hay Supplementation: When pasture is limited, especially during winter or drought, hay should be provided. Grass hay is generally sufficient for adult pet sheep. Alfalfa hay is too rich and not necessary for pets.

Grain: Use Sparingly

Grain should be a very limited part of a pet sheep’s diet.

Treats Only: Grain is best used as a treat or training tool, not as a staple food.
Overfeeding Risks: Excessive grain consumption can lead to serious health problems in sheep, including overeating disease (enterotoxemia), acidosis, and urinary calculi (especially in male sheep).
Sheep-Specific Feed: If you do offer grain, use a commercially formulated sheep feed. Never feed sheep feed formulated for other animals, especially goats or horses, as sheep are highly sensitive to copper, which is often added to feed for other species.

Minerals and Water

Mineral Supplementation: Provide free-choice access to a trace mineralized salt specifically formulated for sheep. Loose mineral mixes are preferable to mineral blocks. Sheep mineral should be low in copper.
Fresh Water: Always ensure your sheep have access to fresh, clean water at all times. Sheep are sensitive to water quality and may refuse to drink dirty water.

Shearing: When and How

If you choose a wool sheep breed, shearing is an essential part of their annual care.

Annual Shearing: Most wool sheep require shearing at least once a year, typically in the spring before the weather gets too hot.
Professional Shearing: It’s best to hire a professional sheep shearer, especially if you are new to sheep ownership. Shearing requires skill and specialized equipment.
Hair Sheep: No Shearing Needed: As mentioned earlier, hair sheep breeds eliminate the need for shearing, making them a lower-maintenance option for pet owners.

The Joy of Pet Lambs

While there’s significant responsibility involved, owning pet sheep, including lambs, can be an incredibly rewarding experience. They offer companionship, can be trained to respond to commands, and bring a unique and gentle presence to your life. By understanding their needs and committing to their care, you can enjoy the delightful experience of having these charming animals as part of your family. Just remember to start with thorough research, careful planning, and a commitment to providing a loving and appropriate home for your woolly friends.