Sheep rentals?

[thethinkingweasel]

Does anyone here have any experience with renting out sheep? How much do you charge for the service, and how do you go about deciding what to charge?

We have recently been asked about the possibility of renting out some of our sheep for the purpose of clearing some land, mostly of poison ivy and English ivy. We went and looked at the property and talked to the owners, and it seems to be a good option. We'll probably take our five ewes with their babies (all born since January), but wouldn't charge a rental fee for the babies. We'll be supplying batteries, a fence charger, some temporary fencing, and a water tub. We'll probably also need to take some hay for supplemental feed, as the first area that the sheep would be clearing doesn't have enough plant variety to be their full diet.

Anything else we should consider? We have no experience with renting out animals for a service like this, so any advice is welcome!

 

[Mini Horses]

There are goat rental businesses. I'm not up on prices. Why don't you find a couple on the net and inquire...that's where I'd have to begin.

 

[Ridgetop]

Why would you not charge for the use 0f the lambs as well? They are grazing from age 2 weeks old. Is there any perimeter fencing? If so, how hgh and what kind? If no perimeter fencing, remember that you will not have any predator control with just an electric fence. Also, if you have to feed them hay, you will have to include a charge for that as well. Last thing, who is responsible for loss of animals from predators, human theft, etc. AND will you need to have liability insurance in case someone claims injury from one of your sheep or the electric fence.

There are a lot of liability issues here.

 

[Baymule]

English ivy is toxic, if I remember correctly it’s a deadly poison.
#1 thing to do before renting your animals out for land clearing, is to look up the plants that are there. I wouldn’t touch this place at all with my sheep.

These people need to spray the English ivy to kill it. Grazon kills broad leaf plants, but not grass. It persists up to 18 months and will be in the manure of any grazing animal that eats the grass. It doesn’t hurt the animals, but don’t use their manure on the garden or flower beds!

Remedy kills every thing, shrubs and small trees too.

My advice, research the plants on a place before putting your animal’s on it. Take a pass on this one.

 

[Baymule]

The Dangers of Removing English Ivy by Yourself | J&C Lawn Care

English Ivy is an invasive plant that is not native to Oregon that spreads quickly and can take over your lawn. Contact us at (971) 284-2035!

jandclawncare.com

 

[Baymule]

I found this that says sheep can eat English ivy in moderate amounts. It advises for YOU to cut a few leaves to feed to them. Then you run the risk of getting it on yourself and having a toxic reaction.

Can Sheep Eat Ivy? – Agriculture Site

 

[Baymule]

Everything else I find says to keep sheep away from English ivy. Maybe they could eat a little bit, but probably not clear a place of it. I go back to my statement of not letting my sheep anywhere near this place. If they want it gone, spray it to kill it. And may possibly have to spray it several times to kill all of it.

15 Plants That Are Poisonous to Sheep & Other Toxic Things to Avoid

When raising sheep, it’s a good idea to be familiar with the list of plants that are poisonous to sheep. Here’s what you need to know.

morningchores.com

Common Poisonous Plants - Premier1Supplies Sheep Guide

While most plants are beneficial, some are hazardous to animals and human life. Ohio has about 100 toxic plants and some of these are responsible for deaths of domestic livestock every year. The number of cases of toxicosis (plant poisoning) in livestock far outweighs those reported for humans...

www.premier1supplies.com