Are Goats or Sheep Easier to Raise
When I first started planning our homestead, I had no idea what kind of animals I wanted to raise. One big question kept popping up—are goats or sheep easier to raise? So, I dove into research, determined to find the right fit for our setup and where I was in life. Both animals have their ups and downs, and understanding the pros and cons of each is key to making the right choice for you.
Homesteading tips to help you start right with the best layout and livestock for your homestead.
From the time I was a little girl, I always dreamed of having my own small farm. Farming isn’t exactly what most girls imagine for their future, but for me, it felt like the perfect fit. When we finally moved to the country and had the space to start a homestead, we kicked things off with pigs and chickens.
Those first few years were full of mistakes, lessons, and all kinds of learning curves. But soon enough, I was ready to take the leap and add some dairy animals to the mix.
Cows? They were out of the question. Their size alone was enough to make me uneasy. Sheep, on the other hand, quickly caught my attention. Their gentle, easygoing nature won me over, and I could already picture them wandering through our pastures.
Before jumping in, I wanted to be sure, so I visited a sheep farm. Touring their setup and even getting a chance to milk a sheep. I saw all that went into their care, and by the end of the day, my decision was clear.
You’re probably guessing I decided to raise sheep, right? Well, surprise—I actually went with goats, and there are a few good reasons why.
If you’re trying to figure out which animals are right for you, stick around. I’ll share what I learned and why goats ended up being the perfect fit for our homestead.
Are Goats or Sheep Easier to Raise?
Choosing the right livestock for your homestead can feel like a big decision, especially when it comes to deciding between goats or sheep. Both are fantastic options, but which one is better for you depends on your goals, resources, and experience level.
I’ll break down their care needs, temperament, space requirements, and the perks of raising each. By the end, you’ll have a better sense of which one suits your homestead best.
Food Needs
When it comes to food needs, goats and sheep are pretty similar. They both need a diet primarily consisting of hay and pasture, with some grain supplementation depending on their age and stage of production.
Goats
Goats are browsers, meaning they prefer eating shrubs, leaves, and weeds. They will gladly spend their days grazing on grass. This diet makes them excellent for clearing out overgrown or weedy areas around your homestead.
They also require supplements of minerals and grain if they’re dairy or meat breeds, particularly during times of heavy milking or growth.
Grain supplementation can be expensive, so if you’re on a budget, goats may not be the best option for you.
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Sheep
Sheep, on the other hand, are grazers. They love a good pasture and thrive on grass, which makes them less picky eaters than goats. However, they’ll struggle in areas without good grazing land or where overgrowth is common.
Sheep have different nutritional requirements than goats, and they need a higher level of copper in their diets. If you have sheep and goats together, it’s essential to provide separate mineral supplements for each species.
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Housing and Space Requirements
Goats and sheep both need adequate shelter from the elements, but their space requirements may vary.
Goats
Goats are very curious animals and can be escape artists. This means their fencing needs to be sturdy and escape proof, as they’ll climb or even jump out if given the chance. The good news is you can find a fence that will keep even the most determined goats contained.
Care Tip: A bored goat can be a determined goat. Keep them busy with fun things like climbing logs, tires, or platforms, and they’ll be much less likely to get into trouble.
Sheep
Sheep are less likely to escape than goats, but still require a secure fence. However, they do need more space than goats due to their grazing habits. A rule of thumb is one acre of pasture per ewe, but this may vary depending on the breed and quality of pasture.
Care Tip: Sheep are prone to foot problems if kept in wet or muddy conditions. Ensure they have a well-drained area to avoid issues with hoof health.
Care Requirements
When it comes to care, goats and sheep both need a bit of attention, but they differ in their specific requirements.
Goats
You’ll need to keep an eye on their hooves, which require trimming every six to eight weeks, and protective vaccinations and parasite management are a must to keep them healthy. Additionally, goats need their feed to be off the ground; otherwise, they are susceptible to worms. Hay racks and elevated feeders work well for this purpose.
Sheep
Like goats, sheep also need their hooves trimmed regularly and require preventative measures for parasites and diseases. However, unlike goats, they can graze closer to the ground without as much risk of worm infestation.
Care Tip: Sheep have sensitive digestive systems and need a gradual transition when changing their diet. Sudden changes can cause digestive upset and lead to health issues.
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Behavioral Differences
Temperament plays a big role in deciding between goats and sheep, especially if you’ll be working closely with them.
Goats
Goats are lively, inquisitive, and very social animals. Many goat owners describe them as “dog-like” because they’re curious and enjoy human interaction. However, this also makes them a bit mischievous and occasionally challenging to manage. If you have the patience for their shenanigans, they can provide a lot of joy.
Sheep
Sheep, on the other hand, are gentler and more docile. They’re less likely to challenge fencing, jump on things, or cause a ruckus. That said, they’re also more cautious and shy around humans, especially if they haven’t been handled much. If you’re looking for a calm, low-key animal that mostly minds its own business, sheep might be the way to go.
Space Needs
Both goats and sheep need adequate space, but their specific needs vary based on their grazing or browsing habits.
Goats
Goats require less grassy pasture and more diverse terrain where they can forage for shrubs and weeds. A small paddock with plenty of climbing structures can keep them happy, although a larger area to explore is a bonus.
Sheep
Sheep, being grazers, need good-quality pasture to thrive. If you have a lot of open grassy areas, sheep will happily munch away.
While they don’t need the enrichment of climbing structures, they’ll need space to roam and graze freely.
Fencing Tips:
Milking and Fleece
If you’re looking for a source of milk or fiber, here’s what you should know.
Goats
For a reliable supply of fresh milk, goats take the lead. They produce significantly more milk than sheep and continue to provide it year-round, making them a favorite for homemade cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products.
Plus, many people find goat milk easier to digest compared to cow or sheep milk, which adds to its appeal.
Sheep
Sheep can produce milk too, but in smaller quantities and for a shorter period following lambing. However, when it comes to wool, sheep shine. Depending on the breed, their fleece can range from luxuriously soft and fine to more robust, perfect for knitting, weaving, or crafting warm clothes and blankets.
Wool is naturally insulating and moisture-wicking, making it a highly versatile and eco-friendly material. Whether you’re eyeing functional fiber or artisanal wool projects, sheep have the best to offer.
Sheep Shearing
Shearing sheep is an essential part of their care and maintenance. It not only keeps them cool in hot weather but also helps prevent health issues like infections and parasitic infestations. This is a heavy chore and something you will want to be aware of.
The good news is that you can hire out the shearing each year, allowing you to get the fiber without the heavy workload.
Kidding and Lambing
Breeding and raising young livestock is one of the most rewarding parts of homesteading, but it does call for careful planning and preparation.
Goats
Goats are early bloomers when it comes to reproduction, capable of breeding as young as four months old. They tend to give birth to multiple kids at a time, and the best part? Most goats handle kidding without much help, which is a relief for beginners.
Once the kids arrive, be ready for mischief. Their energy and antics will keep things lively around your farm. Plus, their mothers are generous milkers, more than enough for your household and the kids.
Sheep
Sheep have a longer gestation period compared to goats, and they tend to give birth to one or two lambs at a time. They also require more assistance during lambing, especially with first-time mothers. However, once the lambs are born, they quickly bond with their mothers and start nursing.
Overall Benefits of Each
The benefits of keeping goats or sheep often relate to what you’re hoping to get out of your livestock.
Goats
- Milk: They’re highly efficient dairy animals, and their milk is rich, creamy, and easy to digest. Some people also prefer it for making cheese or soap.
- Meat: Certain goat breeds, like Boer goats, are raised for tender and flavorful meat.
- Weed Control: They’re excellent for clearing unwanted weeds, shrubs, and brush.
- Companionship: Their outgoing personality and herd nature make them a good choice for families or as a companion animal for a cow or horse.
Sheep
- Fiber: If you choose wool breeds, like Merino or Romney, they’ll give you warm and valuable fleece for spinning or selling.
- Meat: Sheep are popular for producing lamb and mutton, with breeds like Dorper being excellent meat producers.
- Grazing: Sheep do wonders for managing high-quality grass pastures and don’t damage plants like goats occasionally do.
- Low Maintenance: Their gentle, independent nature means they often require less hands-on attention than goats.
Which Should You Choose?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing between goats and sheep—it really comes down to your unique situation.
If you’re looking for energetic, mischievous animals with plenty of personality, goats might be the perfect fit. They’re ideal for homesteads with diverse forage and owners who don’t mind some clever antics.
On the other hand, if you want calm, easygoing animals that can graze on grass while providing wool, lamb, or both, sheep might be more your speed. They thrive on large, grassy pastures and don’t require as much intensive fencing or management.
Whichever you choose, take time to research specific breeds that align with your goals. Are Goats or Sheep Easier to Raise? Hopefully now you have the best answer for you. ,
