Sheep for sale in the Netherlands

Sheep: behaviour and suitability

Sheep follow flock mates and hide illness for a long time as prey animals. Daily observation of eating, rumination, movement and lagging is therefore more important than merely counting from a distance. Always assess the actual animal and, when a trade label covers several species, verify the scientific name before acquisition. Age, sex, health and previous housing can noticeably influence behaviour.

Care and housing

Provide clean forage, water and sheep minerals without excess copper, manage pasture and manure against worms and plan shearing and foot care. Protect newly shorn animals and lambs from cold wet weather. Set up the complete enclosure before the animal arrives and record relevant values and daily behaviour. A sudden change in appetite, activity, breathing, posture or droppings calls for a check of the environment and, where needed, knowledgeable help.

Health and responsible acquisition

Ask about ear tags, registration, breed, age, pregnancy, vaccinations and faecal testing. Inspect feet, teeth, fleece, udder or scrotum and mucous membranes and do not buy a sheep to live alone. Ask the seller about age, origin, current care and known health problems, and ensure any documents belong to the animal offered. Never choose on colour, size or price alone, and identify a knowledgeable veterinarian or other species expert before urgent problems arise.