'Sheep For Beginners' by Nigel Woodrup
I have written a book called 'Sheep For Beginners' which is aimed at all those who wish to keep sheep but do not know where to start. It is written in plain English so you do not have to know the technical terminology and will get you started with your flock, answering the basic questions you will have.
Here are a few paragraphs from the book to give you a taster:
"Try to avoid general markets as you don’t know what problems you may be buying. It is best to approach breeders direct or buy at specialist shows and sales, which are run by the breed societies or the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. Always take your sheep advisor with you and be prepared to walk away from stock that does not come up to the required standard. You must remember that the seller is not letting his best animals go unless he is retiring, so the sheep he is selling will not be quite up to the mark. Having said that, you are buying into that breeding line, and I know from experience that although certain ewes may not look terrific, they can produce first class lambs.
Each breeder will of course tell you the advantages of their own particular breed; you will get all the spiel about easy lambing and fast maturing lambs, good feet, no shearing, docile etc., most of which may be true, but don’t be too swayed by this as he/she is only doing a good sales job. It is also advisable to visit the breeder on their farm to get a better impression of their animals and how they are kept. Breeders normally sell their surplus stock any time between July and October depending on when they lamb their ewes. It is best to buy ewe lambs. Buying adult ewes can be buying trouble, but not always."
A practical guide to keeping and breeding sheep for the small flock owner
A signed copy of 'Sheep For Beginners' is available direct from the author for £10, which includes postage & packaging. Send your cheque, made payable to N. Woodrup, with your name and address to:
Nigel Woodrup
8 Green Park Corner
Wivelsfield Green
Haywards Heath
West Sussex
RH17 7QQ
Your Reviews
"I have been keeping two Swiss pedigree chocolate-coloured ewes (don't know their breed name in English) and this summer decided to mate them. I bought your book which has been a god-send so thank you for having written such a great guide for new comers like me! I wouldn't be where I am today without your guidance!"
A.B. Switzerland
