Sheep Buying Guide
Sheep Buying Guide
At PVR we have bought sheep the right way and the wrong way. These tips will save you time, money and help you make the best choice for your family, your land and your flock.
The most sure way to know exactly what you are buying is through a registry. Research registries so you can find breeders near you. Unregistered sheep can be “muts” (for lack of a better term) and won’t sell well if you plan to breed.
Request health records of the sheep beforehand.
Look at nearby farms. Those sheep are already acclimated to your climate, potential and parasites. Traveling tends to stress out sheep, so the less the better.
Research your Breed Standard. Know what their conformation and coat should look like.
Pay attention to their behavior. Are they alert, yet calm?
Examine the eyes. There should be no discharge or damage. The inside of their eyelids should be pink and not white. White indicates parasites.
Examine the poop. It should be pelleted and solid and never runny.
Examine the feet. Foot rot is a concerning issue that is hard to clear up. Become familiar with the symptoms of the disease.
Examine the teeth. They should have only bottom teeth, they should confirm the age of the sheep.
Avoid Sale barns! It is the most dangerous way to purchase a sheep. The exposure they get at sale barns is alarming.
After you have made a purchase always remember to quarantine your new sheep away from any current flock for two weeks. You can take a sample of the feces to your vet and get a test run for about $30 to check for parasites and diseases. Make sure they buyer knows you will do this ahead of time and will report back if the sheep tests positive for anything concerning.
Buying can be a nerve wracking process but if you take the right steps to protect yourself and your flock you will develop relationships with other breeders and have friends in the industry. You can check out our buying process on our video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xf2dzphBcow
