Baymule
Herd Master
Many show sheep are raised in very small pens. What is the size of your back yard, could you make it work? Keeping them off site would have me worried about predators.
Renting Pasture for Sheep
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mckenna.broam
Exploring the pasture
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The entire lot is just over 6,000 square feet, less than a quarter acre. Right now I have three dogs, two rabbits and four hens who use the backyard but I don't have any grass back there. I'm going to redo everything this spring and put in gravel and new fencing and then rearrange some things so there is potentially room to build a shelter for them but as far as grazing goes they would have my front yard, then there would be my neighbors yards. I know that at least four of them are fine with sheep and support me in getting them, between all of their houses (one guy owns four houses and grew up on a sheep ranch and is a huge supporter of all of my work with animals) I'd have more than an acre. They would also have my grandma's yard and if I can figure out if the park uses chemicals or not they would have quite a few acres there. They would be able to graze from early March to early October
So in theory they would have plenty of room to graze without the threat of predators but my issue is that I have one neighbor for sure who would probably report me because he wouldn't like the noise they make, though in my experience sheep aren't especially loud. I can get in trouble with a noise complaint and have them taken away from me even though they are legal in the city and I know I'm zoned for them, I called the extension office and asked but I just looked at the ordinances and it says they need at least a half acre but for educational purposes such as 4H and FFA you can have them.
No matter what people say that their dog will not kill sheep. Yea, right !!! In the city , you have an increased risk of fluffy and fido molesting and/ or killing your sheep. Over the years, I have shot 9 dogs ( 3 , 2, and 4 for each occation and in court cases , I and a neighbor received tripple damages for a total of 148 dead and maimed sheep ) that were in the act of mollesting and killing sheep.
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mckenna.broam
Exploring the pasture
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I have kept that in mind but frankly, I'm not worried. If I were to keep them here in town there would only be two houses with dogs (not including my own but all of my dogs have been exposed to sheep) and two of the three dogs in question have been exposed to sheep and are fine with them. The third is very old and very gentle and wouldn't be able to go after them anyway. In transition from house to house I might worry about somebody walking a dog but that would be about it. That's not to say that something might happen and that I shouldn't keep my guard up but as of right now, if there were to live here I would feel comfortable with their safety. I also have an LGD and a Border Collie who could stay with them if need be. My real concern is being reported because somebody is upset with the noise or maybe the smell (though if they were rotated and I kept things clean I don't think it would be bad) and somebody trying to steal them or poison them. That's happened to other animals in my area before and is something I'm very nervous about. My goal isn't to stir up trouble or let harm come to anyone which is why I think it would be better if they didn't stay in town.
Reindeermama
Overrun with beasties
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Have you thought about babydoll sheep? Harlequin sheep? Maybe mini chevriot? This might be a way to have sheep in your yard. Even without grass, babydoll, or Harlequin would not be expensive to provide hay for. I think kids would love mini sheep. They can be used as grass mowers, therapy animals, and for their wool.
Southern by choice
Herd Master
I like your original plan of having a pasture to rent close by.
Especially since they are used for educational purposes.
Disturbing how many people "educate" and have no clue.
Representing sheep locked in backyards, being moved from yard to yard is not properly educating anyone and IMO would disqualify anyone from teaching.
Sheep are livestock, used for wool and meat, sometimes milk, and even forage control. Plain and simple.
Especially since they are used for educational purposes.
Disturbing how many people "educate" and have no clue.
Representing sheep locked in backyards, being moved from yard to yard is not properly educating anyone and IMO would disqualify anyone from teaching.
Sheep are livestock, used for wool and meat, sometimes milk, and even forage control. Plain and simple.
Agree 10x ... mckenna what is your background in livestock production as well as in education fields ?
