Man's Best Friend

Pet Sheep

Increasingly, sheep are being kept as pets and companions. They make good pets because they are such a gentle animal and respond well to human contact.

Especially for Children

Lambs make great projects for children, especially those with disabilities. Taking care of a sheep teaches children responsiblity and respect for animals.

4-Hers Washing Lambs at the
Wicomico County Farm and Home Show

As 4-H Projects

Sheep are a popular 4-H project for children. 4-H is the largest youth organization in the U.S., open to any boy or girl between the ages of 8 and 18. To learn about 4-H, contact your local county extension office. The phone number is listed in the blue pages of the phone book.

Bottle Babies

Lambs raised on a bottle make ideal pets because they trust people and are not afraid to be near people. When you bottle fed a lamb, the lamb bonds to you and thinks you're his mother.

Olde English Baby Doll Southdown

The Best Pets

Any breed of sheep can be kept as a pet. There are several miniature breeds. Pet sheep should be females (ewes) or neutered males (wethers). They should not have horns. Hair sheep are a good choice since they do not need to be sheared.

Basic Sheep Care

People considering having sheep as pets need to realize that pet sheep have most of the same basic needs as sheep being raised commercially. They need shelter and proper nutrition and health care, and protection from predators. Wooled sheep need to be sheared annually, preferably by a trained professional.