The Suffolk sheep is a British domestic sheep you will find on many farms across the United States and England. It was first bred by breeders in late 18th-century England to provide meat, but also as a source of wool.
Come along as we examine this fascinating animal and learn more about its potential uses for your farm.
Here are some quick facts about Suffolk sheep
| Species Name: | Ovis aries |
| Family: | Bovidae |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Temperature: | All Climates |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, alert, and easy to herd |
| Color Form: | Black and white |
| Lifespan: | 6- 14 Years |
| Size: | 29-32 inches – 200-300 pounds |
| Diet: | Herbivore |
| Minimum Shelter Size: | 6′ x 4’ x 3’ |
| Shelter Set-Up: | Ventilation and bedding |
Suffolk Sheep Overview
In the late 1800s, the Suffolk sheep were first introduced to England. Since then, breeders have exported sheep all over the world, including to the United States where they are still a popular source of wool and meat. Its heritage is its unique color and large size. It is a great grazer and can help preserve the land and stop the growth of bushes.
How Much Does Suffolk Sheep Cost to Buy?
A young ewe can be expected to cost between $100-300 and a flock ram $300-500. You can expect to spend $1,000 to $3,000 if you want a stud ram to breed more sheep. Some fetch as high as $10,000.
In addition to purchasing food and vaccinations during winter, there are other costs that could increase the cost of your Suffolk sheep.
The Typical Behavior and Temperament
Suffolk sheep are easy to manage and don’t cause too much trouble in the field. They are intelligent and can quickly find their pen and follow a routine. They can be irritable but they are quick to settle down and are easygoing. They make great backyard pets due to their friendly nature and unique personalities.
Appearance and Varieties
The Suffolk sheep is large and distinctive with its white body, black face, and legs. It is a small, slender sheep with a long neck and no horns. It is muscular in the body and legs, and well-adapted to all environments.
How to Care for Suffolk Sheep
Habitat Setup & Conditions
The Suffolk sheep are efficient grazers and will require plenty of grass to eat. They also love to move, so it is recommended that you provide your sheep with at most a quarter acre. However, you can accommodate a smaller group on one acre. A small shelter will be needed, approximately 6 W x 4 D x 3 H. As more sheep are added to your flock, you’ll need to expand this size. Your sheep will be able to escape from the rain, snow, sun, and other extreme weather conditions by only needing three sides.
A fan will be required to ensure sufficient ventilation for your sheep during the summer months. To make your sheep feel more comfortable, it is a good idea to use straw bedding. Other types of bedding can be used, but they might stick to the sheep’s fur making it difficult to shear them.
Salt Lick
To keep your sheep healthy, they will need to have access to salt licks. Salt licks can be found at a low cost and are easy to find. To help determine the amount of salt in a person’s diet, you can also buy ground salt.
Water
One sheep can consume several gallons of water per day, especially in hot weather. It is important to monitor their water supply and replenish it when necessary. Experts recommend that you use an automatic waterer to reduce the amount of work required.
Are Suffolk Sheep able to get along with other pets?
The Suffolk sheep is calm and rarely gets upset. The Suffolk sheep should not be a problem for your pets. It is possible for some herding dogs, such as the Border Collie, to try to herd the sheep. This could cause problems between the animals. While socialization is a good thing, you should supervise all interactions.
How to feed your Suffolk Sheep
You won’t need to feed your large garden with many plants if it is not growing during the growing season. You will need to feed them plenty of hay once there is snow. The best hay is made from clover and alfalfa. Some grain varieties may contain too much copper, which could cause health problems for your sheep.
How to Keep Your Suffolk Sheep Healthy
Hooves
It is easy to keep your Suffolk sheep healthy. To keep their feet dry and prevent foot rot, your sheep will require a hard surface to walk on. You will need to trim the hooves every 4 to 6 weeks if the ground is too hard. The ground can cause the hooves to become softened and bacteria to grow if it is too wet. Foot rot can result from the growth of bacteria. The infected hoof must be removed and an antiseptic applied. To prevent the spread of the disease, you will need to separate the infected sheep.
Shearing
To prevent your sheep from becoming waterlogged and attracting flies, you will need to shear them once a year. Owners often like to trim the area below the tail because urine and feces can stick to fur too long.
Deworm
You will need to take your sheep to the vet every so often to ensure they are free from worms. Worms can be very harmful to your pet’s health. Your vet can recommend a variety of medications to eliminate any parasites your sheep may have contracted.
Breeding
If you own a breeding ram, it is easy to breed Suffolk sheep. You can buy multiple sheep for the same price as a breeding ram, so many sheep owners opt to just purchase sheep when they are needed. You will need to do thorough research on the ram that you are looking to buy if you plan to breed your sheep.
Are Suffolk Sheep suitable for you?
Suffolk sheep are a great addition to any farmland and make wonderful pets. They are easy to care for and can live in all climates. They are affordable and produce reliable amounts of wool and meat.
We hope that you enjoyed this guide and are now ready to purchase one or more of these amazing grazers for the property.
What distinguishes Suffolk sheep?
Suffolk sheep are abundant and mature early, producing excellent mutton carcasses. They are energized, and the entire carriage is attentive, demonstrating stamina and quality. The breed is unsuitable for producing wool. The fleeces have short staple lengths, are low in weight, and feature black fibers.
Is it simple to lamb Suffolk sheep?
Because of the breed’s high milk output, hard hooves, and wide pelvic dimensions for easy lambing, introducing Suffolk genetics to a commercial ewe flock is an excellent counter to the all too common problems encountered with other breeds.
How often do sheep need to be sheared?
Sheep are sheared at least once a year, generally in the spring. The majority of sheep are sheared by professional shearers who are paid by the number of sheep sheared, which may be up to 200 sheep each day (2-3 minutes per sheep).
Are Suffolk sheep horned?
Suffolk sheep are distinguished by their black faces and lack of horns.
What is the price of a newborn sheep?
Prices vary depending on the breed, age, size, and gender of the sheep. Lambs are typically priced between $75 and $100. A younger non-registered sheep (two to four years old) with no ancestry data is valued between $200 and $250. A purebred certified sheep can cost upwards of $500.
What is the finest meat sheep?
The best meat sheep breeds are Suffolk sheep, Dorper sheep from Hampshire, sheep from Southdown, sheep of texel, sheep from Dorset, sheep from Mondale, and sheep from Shropshire.
Which sheep breed has the finest flavor?
Which sheep breed has the finest flavor? Dorper, Katahdin, and Hampshire sheep are the most favored for flavor.
What is the finest lamb to eat?
The rack is frequently French-trimmed, which means that the fat and flesh are removed from the tops of the bones. Racks can be offered whole for roasting or chopped up into Best End Neck Chops.
What is the most rapidly expanding sheep breed?
Suffolk sheep have great feed conversion and one of the quickest growth rates of any sheep breed.
How long do a Suffolk sheep live?
A relatively long lifetime of 11 to 13 years, as well as an outstanding reproductive rate, contribute to the appealing characteristics.