Goats or sheep?

[hikerfrog99]

X2 on the grass or brush.

Also, what kind of pets do you want? If you want a critter that's up in your face, maybe go with a goat. If you want a critter that is friendly, but still a little apprehensive, get a sheep. Also with sheep--do you have a shearer who could shear? If not, go with a goat or a hair sheep.

I was leaning more towards sheep. I want to know what to do to keep them as healthy and happy as possible.

 

[Southern by choice]

As far as sheep, really do your research as far as breeds etc... some sheep will not let you really pet them or near them other than with treats, others are more affetionate. There are a bajillion breeds too!

BTW- Welcome to BYH!

 

[hikerfrog99]

As far as sheep, really do your research as far as breeds etc... some sheep will not let you really pet them or near them other than with treats, others are more affetionate. There are a bajillion breeds too!

BTW- Welcome to BYH!

Thank you! I am looking at hair sheep. I would like an affectionate breed as that's how I treat my animals. My chickens and dog follow me everywhere. I love it and with land for roaming I want to extend my little farm

 

[bonbean01]

I'm with sheepgirl on this !

 

[ragdollcatlady]

If you want a dog like animal, get goats! Mine will walk with me around the property when I visit them after work, they climb in my lap and love to be loved on! Nigerians are pretty small 50-75 lbs, so they eat less than standard sized goats. My bucks can clear 4 foot fences (they don't usually, but I have seen them before so I know they can), but my does don't try, they stand on/lean against the fence or squish under them. I milk mine so that is an added bonus. Nothing cuter than 3 day old dwarf goats hopping and bopping all over!

Forgive the blatant "isn't this the cutest thing you've ever seen?" ploy....but what can I say????? Hello my name is ragdollcatlady and I am a goat addict......and I want you to join me!!!!

 

[taylorm17]

great posts above! I don't know much about sheep. Sheep are more of grazers than browsers and goats are more of browsers than grazers. I do know they are not quite as 'people' social as goats are. Goats love to walk and play with you (and the dogs, and cats, and chickens, and anything they can find to play with) I would suggest to get a mini. I have Nigerian Dwarfs, but a lot of people like Pygmies. Also mini Manchas are cute, but not as big as the LaManchas, even though they are normally used for milk. I think goats would be a little more fun as a hobby no offense to those sheep people out there.... I'm sure either way you will love them!!!! I love all animals, so no matter how ugly or whatever, I will still love them all! haha. You could always get a few of Each !!!!!!!

 

[Southern by choice]

Thank you! I am looking at hair sheep. I would like an affectionate breed as that's how I treat my animals. My chickens and dog follow me everywhere. I love it and with land for roaming I want to extend my little farm

I think the katahdin is generally an easy going sheep. The dorpers are way cool though! Not really sure of how large they get.

 

[SheepGirl]

My lambs will always come running up to me, and if I lay down they jump on me and play on me and sometimes will even nap on me.

As the lambs get older, they remain friendly and if I catch them napping and I decide to sit near them, they will rest their heads on my lap and continue to sleep. I am able to walk right up to them in the pasture and pet them and occasionally they will follow me.

Usually by this time, I don't go out and check on them nearly as often so they lose their 'friendliness.' Also my ewes are more standoffish at this point as their grain rations have been cut, so they have no need for me anymore I have found the more you feed them stored feeds (hay, grain), the friendlier they are and the more tolerant of petting/scratching they are. Even ewes who seem to REALLY enjoy being scratched (they will move around a little so you get that perfect spot, they will stand there for 10 min, etc) will soon run away if they aren't getting grain or hay from me.

My rams tend to be friendly throughout the year, regardless if they're on feed or not. My ewes are only friendly if I give them stuff to eat.

 

[Southern by choice]

I was going to mention your sheep Sheepgirl! Too funny !
But if I remember ed correctly your are wool sheep... the poster mentioned hair sheep.

Ok, Ok, so there are a few people that have nice friendly sheep...
I think like 3?

Your sheep are really cool Sheepgirl!

 

[hikerfrog99]

My lambs will always come running up to me, and if I lay down they jump on me and play on me and sometimes will even nap on me.

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As the lambs get older, they remain friendly and if I catch them napping and I decide to sit near them, they will rest their heads on my lap and continue to sleep. I am able to walk right up to them in the pasture and pet them and occasionally they will follow me.

Usually by this time, I don't go out and check on them nearly as often so they lose their 'friendliness.' Also my ewes are more standoffish at this point as their grain rations have been cut, so they have no need for me anymore I have found the more you feed them stored feeds (hay, grain), the friendlier they are and the more tolerant of petting/scratching they are. Even ewes who seem to REALLY enjoy being scratched (they will move around a little so you get that perfect spot, they will stand there for 10 min, etc) will soon run away if they aren't getting grain or hay from me.

My rams tend to be friendly throughout the year, regardless if they're on feed or not. My ewes are only friendly if I give them stuff to eat.

I love the advice!!! Btw your lambs are perfectly gorgeous!!