One of the most frequent questions we get from visitors to Rosehaven Farms is, “Why do you move sheep?” It’s a great question because moving sheep isn’t just about relocating animals—it’s an essential part of farm and flock management.
Let’s dive into why it’s so important and how it’s done!
Why Do We Move Sheep?
1. Paddock Rotation for Pasture Health
Rotating sheep between paddocks is a cornerstone of sustainable farming. Allowing grazed paddocks time to rest promotes grass regrowth and ensures that the sheep always have access to healthy, nutritious forage. Overgrazing can lead to soil degradation and poor-quality pastures, so careful rotation keeps everything in balance.
2. Weather Protection
When bad weather is approaching, it’s important to provide the flock with shelter. Moving sheep to a more protected paddock can keep them safe from heavy rain, wind, or extreme heat.
3. Health and Maintenance
From time to time, the flock needs to come closer to the farm for routine care such as drenching, shearing, hoof trimming, or vaccinations. Moving the sheep allows us to provide these health services efficiently while keeping stress to a minimum.
How Do We Move Sheep?
Sheep moving techniques depend on the size of the flock and the resources available.
• Large Flocks:
Farmers managing large-scale sheep operations often rely on vehicles like quad bikes or utes, along with trained working dogs such as Kelpies and Border Collies. These dogs are incredible at responding to commands and guiding the flock with precision and ease.
• Smaller Flocks:
On smaller farms like ours, moving sheep is often done on foot with a few people. Vocal commands, hand gestures, and a calm presence go a long way in encouraging the sheep to move where they need to go.
• Pet Sheep:
For pet sheep, a food bucket works wonders! The sound of a rattling bucket can be enough to coax even the most stubborn sheep to follow you.
Tips for Moving Sheep Safely
Moving sheep requires care and patience to keep both the animals and handlers safe. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth process:
• Stay Calm and Steady:
Sheep are easily spooked, so rushing them or becoming frustrated can lead to injuries—for both the sheep and the humans involved. Slow, steady movements and a quiet demeanor work best.
• Plan Your Path:
Always have a clear idea of where you’re guiding the flock. Close off unnecessary exits and create an obvious route for them to follow.
• Work as a Team:
If you have extra help, use it! Positioning people at key points can make it easier to guide the flock without causing stress.
The Importance of Moving Sheep
At Rosehaven Farms, moving sheep is part of our commitment to sustainable farming and animal care. Whether it’s giving paddocks time to recover, keeping the sheep safe from bad weather, or ensuring they receive the health care they need, each move serves an important purpose.
By understanding why and how we move sheep, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the care that goes into managing a healthy flock. It’s not just about where the sheep are—it’s about their wellbeing, the health of the land, and the long-term sustainability of the farm.
Have any questions about life on the farm? We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment or get in touch to learn more about what makes Rosehaven Farms so special.
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