Best Supplies for Sheep Lovers, Shepherds and Shepherdesses
When it comes to sheep, there’s a vast array of things you COULD buy. And I’ve fallen into that trap. Many of those purchases have rarely been used! So here are a few things I think you shouldn’t be without if you keep sheep or goats or are looking to buy gifts for a loved one.
FENCING SUPPLIES
9-strand Polywire
9-strand polywire might seem like overkill but I find it’s the best for two reasons. 1, you can use it for larger animals if you choose to keep them in the future. 2, electric fencing can ground easily with stray pieces of grass, dry soil and uneven ground. I find the 9 strand helps hold the charge more efficiently.
Electric Fence Posts
Lightweight with a ground spike for easy moving and fixing into place. The multiple height options make these the perfect for rotational grazing, and you can adjust them depending on the size (adults, lambs etc) of the sheep. Inexpensive too, so you can layout several paddock spaces ahead of time if you wish.
Energiser Fence Kit
To effectively move the power from your battery and into your fence, you need an energiser. These kits include the required energiser, clips to the battery, line to the polywire and a grounding rod to complete the electric circuit.
Electric Fence Battery
To ensure your fence works, you need to charge it. You can either do this off the mains but for farm and paddock space, it often requires a battery pack. Some of these require solar charging or can be replenished from the mains outlet.
Battery Charger
Finally, if you’re not using a solar unit to charge your battery on the fly, you’ll need a safe form of recharging from the mains. I’ve found that those this one is relatively expensive, it’s worth the cost in providing a consistent, safe and effective charge to prolong your battery’s life.
HUSBANDRY SUPPLIES
Foot Shears
I’ve tried a lot of various foot shears, and the Burgon and Ball are the best. There’s a reason why everyone has them!
Dagging Shears
Along with foot shears, I’ve tried a lot of dagging shears along the way. There’s nothing like a sharp set that sits in the hand nicely for easily shearing away wool and dagging out. I’ve dealt with fly-strike using these, and even hand sheared entire sheep.
LAMBING SUPPLIES
Lamb Colostrum Supplement
When colostrum is in short supply or your ewe hasn’t produced any milk at all, it’s essential to get some nutrition into newborn lambs.
I swear by Volostrum (a UK produce available via the link below), and I’ve added a US alternative.
Feeding Bottle
Whether you’re using lamb milk replacement or need to give a quick boost of colostrum, you’ll need a bottle. You can’t go far wrong with these.
Tail Docking and Castration
In the UK we dock tails for hygiene reasons. In addition, ram lambs can be castrated in the first week by the use of a rubber band. A useful tool in your arsenal.
NOVELTY
