Raising sheep brings more than wooly warmth. When we began raising sheep, I looked forward to the warmth they would provide. I did not consider the other ways that sheep would warm us. With quite a few years as a shepherd now behind me, I can see that the wool that sheep provide is but one way they heat our bodies. The visions of sheep roaming the gentle slopes of a picturesque farm may be heart warming. However it does not portray the amount of heat producing labor that goes on behind the … [Read more...]
Sheep Care on Small Farms and Homesteads
Is sheep care part of your future? Can you raise sheep in a large backyard? In some cases the answer is yes. Sheep are adaptable and can be cared for in a paddock or small field if their needs are met. It may be a little more labor intensive and take a bit more effort and management to raise our sheep this way. Here on the farm we raise a little bit of everything. Well not really everything. But we do have quite a variety of animals. We have successfully raised goats for many years, a small herd … [Read more...]
Adding Animals to the Homestead
Somewhere along your homesteading journey, you will probably get the itch to start adding animals to the homestead. Or, the opportunity will present itself in an offer you can't refuse. Perhaps someone is giving away a flock of "free" chickens, or you fall in love with a baby goat and decide this is the right time for adding animals to the homestead. What Is the Right Time for Adding Animals to the Homestead? Whether it's a well planned adventure, or a series of events, you should have an … [Read more...]
Raising Miniature Goats, Cows, Chickens and Sheep
Raising miniature goats, chickens and livestock is possible on a small homestead. The more people who are moving towards a simpler way of life, living more self sustainably, are still interested in having a family milk provider. When you are raising a smaller family on a smaller homestead, you don't need a full size milk producer. What makes miniature livestock a good choice? Small breed livestock need less pastured, fenced land, less grain. In addition, these miniature members of farm … [Read more...]
