The honest version.
Sheep are easier than people think. They're also harder than Instagram makes them look. Here's what we wish someone had told us early on.
Before you get sheep.
A short list of things to sort out before bringing sheep home.
- At least two sheep, always. Sheep get genuinely stressed and depressed if kept alone. Two is the absolute minimum. We won't sell to a home that doesn't already have a companion or isn't buying a pair.
- Fencing that actually contains sheep. A standard horse fence often won't. Sheep slip under, push through and find gaps you didn't know existed. We can help you work out what's right for your property.
- Shelter from sun, rain and wind. It doesn't need to be fancy. A simple three-sided shelter or even a row of trees works. They just need somewhere to get out of the weather.
- A vet who'll see sheep. Not every rural vet does livestock. Worth checking before you need one, not after. We can pass on the names of vets we use.
- An NLIS account. Required by law in South Australia. NLIS is the national livestock tracking system. We'll walk you through setting it up when you buy from us.
Questions we get all the time.
How much do boutique sheep cost?
More than the saleyards, less than a horse. For breeds like Valais Blacknose, Babydolls and Elliottdales, expect anywhere from $1500 to $3500 or more depending on age, breed generation and bloodlines.
Are Valais and Babydolls really suitable as pets?
Yes, both are well known for being friendly and easy to handle. That said, "pet sheep" doesn't mean low maintenance. They still need proper paddock setup, vet care and the same routine as any other sheep.
Do sheep have to live with other sheep?
Pretty much, yes. Sheep are flock animals and don't do well on their own. A goat companion is sometimes okay but two or more sheep is always best.
Can I visit before I buy?
Yes, absolutely. We actually prefer it. Visits are by appointment and free of charge. Just get in touch to arrange a time.
Do you offer delivery?
Not at this stage. Pickup is from the farm. We're happy to recommend local livestock carriers who do the trip regularly.
What paperwork comes with a sheep?
Every sheep leaves with an NLIS eID tag in their ear, a National Vendor Declaration (NVD) and a Sheep Health Declaration. We'll also give you any relevant breed registration paperwork.
Will you offer lambs in the future?
Yes. Lambing plans, dates and availability will be posted on the Journal and our Instagram. If you'd like first dibs, the best thing is to drop us a line and start a conversation.
Do you sell wool or fleece?
Eventually, maybe. Right now we're still figuring out which fibre products make sense for our flock size. If you're a hand spinner or fibre artist and you'd like to be told when fleece is available, let us know.