Buyer Conditions & Care
Basic Care Requirements for Babydoll Southdown Sheep:
The following are some typical requirements for successful sheep raising according to the NABSSAR (registry):
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A 3-sided shelter to protect sheep and lambs from rain, sleet, snow. or wind
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Companions - Sheep cannot be alone. They are a flock animal and require at least one, but preferably two of their own kind. Other livestock /pets will not suffice. If you do not already have sheep, you will be required to buy two.
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About an acre of good, improved grass pasture per 5 ewes and their lambs, and good predator-proof fencing; possibly a Livestock Guardian Dog or guard Llama;
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One or more good general sheep husbandry books such as Storey’s Guide to Sheep Raising and Laura Lawson’s Lambing Problems and Managing Your Ewe;
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The dedication to get outside twice a day to check on the sheep and to feed and water as necessary;
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A place for storage of hay and grain;
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Hoof trimmers, hand shears, buckets, and a sheep-specific loose mineral supplement;
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Periodic hoof trimming, deworming, shearing and yearly vaccinations are standard care;
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If you take the time to regularly handle your sheep they will easily tame down, walk on leashes, and enjoy socializing with people.
What to expect continual care
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Babydolls are easy-keepers and require only grass or good quality hay and a sheep mineral for maintenance. We hand-feed grain as a little treat occasionally, but they do not get grain regularly other than during the last few weeks of pregnancy and during lactation.
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Since they are a flock animal, they should always be kept with at least one other sheep at all times.
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They should have loose mineral supplement specifically for sheep. That means it will not contain extra copper which can easily be toxic to sheep. If you keep other animals with your sheep, it is important that you keep their mineral supplement unavailable to the sheep. Also, grain can contain higher levels of copper, so check any grain your sheep may have access to.
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To give a rough idea of frequency: Shearing: 1 time a year; Hoofs inspected/trimmed: 3 times a year; Dewormed: approx. 3 times/year based on your conditions; CD&T vaccination: yearly in adults. Consulting your veterinarian is always a good idea to determine what is appropriate for your area and your conditions.
Lamb Baskets
Lamb starter baskets are now available for purchase, providing all the essential tools and supplies for caring for your new Babydoll sheep. Each basket includes hoof trimmers, a sample mineral pack, a FAMACHA scoring card, a harness, sheep treats, a drencher, and a copy of Storey's Guide to Raising Sheep, 5th Edition: Breeding, Care, Facilities in paperback. Additionally, the basket comes with other welcome goodies to ensure a smooth start to your lamb-raising journey. You can reserve one of these baskets to receive on lamb pick-up day
Payment Methods
- Cash/Cashiers Check
- Contactless Payments