Creating a Cozy Home for Your Babydoll Sheep: A Guide to Shelter and Care
If you’re new to homesteading and have recently added Babydoll Sheep to your farm, you’re in for a treat! These adorable sheep are perfect for hobby farming and sustainable living. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the essential aspects of providing a comfortable and safe shelter for your beloved Babydoll Sheep. Our passionate homesteader experiences will guide you in creating the perfect home for your woolly companions.
Understanding the Needs of Babydoll Sheep
Before we delve into shelter requirements, it’s crucial to understand the specific needs of Babydoll Sheep. These small sheep are well-suited for smaller homesteads and are ideal for beginner farmers. Their petite size makes them perfect for those living in the country, but perhaps on smaller acreage.
Babydoll Sheep typically stand at about 16 to 24 inches at the withers, making them significantly smaller than traditional sheep breeds. Due to their size, they require less space and can thrive in a more compact shelter. However, despite their small stature, these sheep possess a thick, fluffy coat that provides excellent insulation against cold weather.
When it comes to grazing habits, Babydoll Sheep love to graze on pasture. However, they can be susceptible to overeating, so access to fresh, nutritious grass should be managed to maintain their health and prevent any digestive issues.
Building the Perfect Shelter for Babydoll Sheep
Now that we understand the specific needs of our adorable Babydoll Sheep, let’s focus on creating a cozy and secure shelter for them. Providing the right environment is essential to ensure they stay healthy and content.
Shelter Size and Design:
To begin with, aim for a shelter size that provides ample space for each Babydoll Sheep while remaining snug and secure. A simple three-sided shelter with a sloping roof is often sufficient for these small sheep. It provides them with protection from the elements while allowing them to freely move in and out. It’s important to ensure the entrance faces away from prevailing winds to protect them from drafts.
I like to mention that a gate to this structure is ideal so you can round them up easily for shearing day. hoof trimming, a vet visit, etc.
Bedding and Flooring:
Inside the shelter, lay down clean, dry bedding to keep your Babydoll Sheep warm and dry. Straw or wood shavings work well for this purpose. Additionally, providing a raised wooden platform or pallets will elevate the sheep from the cold ground, offering extra insulation during chilly nights.
Our sheep shed has a ground floor, no wooden platform, which works just fine for us.
Ventilation and Airflow:
While protection from the elements is vital, proper ventilation is also crucial to prevent the buildup of moisture and ammonia inside the shelter. Adjustable vents or small openings near the roof can promote airflow without causing drafts that might make your sheep uncomfortable.
Natural Light:
Like any other living being, Babydoll Sheep thrive with natural light. Consider incorporating windows or translucent roofing materials to let sunlight in. This not only helps them maintain their natural circadian rhythm but also enhances their overall well-being.
A window is a great idea if you plan to keep your sheep in an enclosed barn. A three-sided shed like ours provides enough light and ventilation.
Weather Considerations and Seasonal Care
As responsible sheep breeders, it’s crucial to consider seasonal variations and adjust the shelter accordingly. Babydoll Sheep, like any livestock, can be affected by weather changes, and their shelter should accommodate their needs accordingly.
Be sure you do not place your shed in an area of the pasture that could be prone to flooding. We live near a creek, so we were sure to build our shed on higher ground.
Winter Care:
During colder months, insulate the shelter with thick walls or additional layers of straw to keep Babydoll Sheep warm. Providing extra bedding for them to snuggle into during freezing temperatures is also advisable. However, be cautious with heating devices, as Babydoll Sheep can overheat easily. If used, ensure they are out of reach and can’t cause a fire hazard.
Summer Care:
On hot summer days, ensure the shelter has good airflow and ventilation to prevent overheating. Positioning the shelter in a shaded area or providing artificial shade will protect your sheep from direct sunlight and help them stay cool during scorching temperatures.
Some of our lamb clients have set up oscillating fans in their sheep sheds. That is a perfectly fine idea, however, our three-side shed offers enough air flow to keep our flock comfortable, even during a heat wave.
Shelter Maintenance and Cleaning
Maintaining a clean and hygienic shelter is essential for the health and happiness of your Babydoll Sheep. Regular cleaning and inspection will ensure your sheep have a comfortable and safe environment.
Regular Cleaning:
Remove soiled bedding regularly to keep the shelter clean and odor-free. A clean living environment helps prevent health issues and enhances the overall well-being of your sheep.
We utilize the Deep Bedding Method, which you can read more about here.
Check for Repairs:
Inspect the shelter routinely for any damages, loose boards, or holes that could compromise its integrity. Ensuring the shelter is in good condition will provide better protection for your Babydoll Sheep and extend the shelter’s lifespan.
Conclusion
Congratulations on taking the first steps towards creating a cozy and safe home for your adorable Babydoll Sheep! Providing them with a well-designed shelter that meets their specific needs will ensure they thrive on your homestead. Remember, while these tiny sheep are resilient, your love and care will make all the difference in their well-being.
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Photographs by Shalyn Nelson
