Plan 4000
Sheep Housing
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Sheep production in Canada is divided between range and farm flocks. Sheep on the range require little protection except during lambing. Farm flocks may be allowed to graze during summer months but some protection is required during winter and lambing periods. They may also be raised in year-round confinement housing. Sheep suffer more from drafts and moisture than from low temperatures. Open-front sheds for protection from wind and moisture are adequate. When lambing occurs during early spring or periods of adverse weather, closed housing should be provided for the ewes and new-born lambs. Plans in this series are suitable for both farm and range production.
LOCATION
Buildings and pens for sheep should be located on a well-drained site. A southern slope on well-drained soil is preferred. A central location for farm flocks allows for fly control around the buildings as well as providing some protection from dogs and other predators.
Barn roofs should slope away from the feedlot area, or alternatively eave troughs should be provided to run water away from the pens.
Buildings should have open fronts protected from or facing away from the prevailing winds. In the dry, windy prairie climate, corral fencing should be of the slotted-board type (20% porous) for maximum wind protection. In humid Eastern Canada, solid windbreaks to 3 m (10 ft) height are preferred on the windward sides of the lots.
VENTILATION
Buildings used for confinement rearing of sheep or as shelter for farm or range flocks should have adequate provision for ventilation. Eave and ridge openings should be provided in open front sheds for air movement. Hinged or removable panels should be provided for additional summer air circulation. In totally enclosed buildings thermostatically controlled fans may be used. The building should be adequately insulated to reduce heat loss and to improve ventilation control. A vapor barrier and sheathing on the inside wall will be required to protect the insulation. Supplemental heat may be required during extremely cold winter.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
Included with this plan are data tables summarizing:
- space requirements for sheep
- bedding storage requirements
- slotted floor dimensions
- feed storage requirements
Sheep Housing Leaflet (Imperial)
(c) 2003 Canada Plan Service
