Storey's Guide to Raising Sheep: Breeds, Care, Facilities [Paperback]

Paula Simmons (Author), Carol Ekarius (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1580172628 | ISBN-13: 978-1580172622 | Publication Date: November 8, 2000 | Edition: 3rd

For 17 years readers have turned to Storey Books for advice on raising animals. Our Modern Way series of six books has sold more than 1,000,000 copies. In an effort to provide readers with the best how-to animal books on the market we are completely updating all six Modern Way titles and reintroducing them as part of our Guide to Raising series.

Written by experts, these guides give novice and experienced livestock farmers all they need to know to successfully keep and profit from animals. Each book includes information on selection, housing, space requirements, breeding and birthing techniques, feeding, behavior, and health concerns and remedies for illness. The books also address the business of raising animals -- processing meat, milk, eggs, and more. The authors were chosen not only for their expertise but also for their ability to explain the ins and outs of animal husbandry in an inviting and authoritative manner.

Whether readers are ready to start an entire herd or flock or are considering purchasing their first animal, Storey's Guide to Raising series offers vital information; each book is an indispensable reference.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

The Small-Scale Sheep-Raiser's Bible

Storey's Guide to Raising Sheep is an invaluable resource for everyone who raises sheep. It contains the most comprehensive and current information available on:

Breeds, including minor ones

Feeding and housing

Breeding and lambing

Pasture management

Disease and health care

Herding dogs

"...a welcome and much-needed addition to sheep literature in North America. Beginners and experienced shepherds alike will discover valuable, practical information in every chapter. The book is a joy to read..."

(Dave Thompson, editor, sheep! Magazine)

About the Author

A respected authority on sheep raising for over three decades, author Paula Simmons has written many books and magazines articles on spinning wool. She has authored three Storey books for children and adults, including Turning Wool Into a Cottage Industry and Raising Sheep the Modern Way, which many readers call their sheep "bible" and The Mother Earth News has dubbed it, "A fine shepherd's textbook." Paula is also a lecturer and conducts workshops in the United States and Canada on raising sheep and spinning wool for a living. Together with her husband, Ross, Paula has been raising and sheering sheep, and spinning and weaving wool for over 20 years on their farm in Washington.

Carol Ekarius is the author of Storey's Illustrated Guide to Poultry Breeds, Pocketful of Poultry, and several books on small-scale farming. Carol and her husband live with their many critters in Hartsel, Colorado.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC; 3rd edition (November 8, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580172628
• ISBN-13: 978-1580172622
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #386,028 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent #1 Sheep Book, December 3, 2002

By 

Walter V. Jeffries "Walter V. Jeffries" (W Topsham, VT United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Storey's Guide to Raising Sheep: Breeds, Care, Facilities (Paperback)

This book is most excellent and indepth. BUT, be sure to get the new expanded update by Paula Simmons AND Carol Ekarius. The updated book has a lot more info. I originally read this book in the older form at the local library and then bought a copy of the updated version through Amazon.com to have on hand as we got sheep. The updated book is so good that I read the entire thing again cover to cover. Carol Ekarius has added a lot of valuable info, updates and personal stories from shepards to the book.

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Another great upgrade by Storey's - worth the cost!, June 29, 2003

By 

Travis C. Ward "C. William Anderson" (Silverton, OR United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Storey's Guide to Raising Sheep: Breeds, Care, Facilities (Paperback)

Speaking frankly, I used to smirk at the series of books titled "Raising _______ The Modern Way."

Too few of them were useful. Belanger's Dairy Goats and Simmons's Raising Sheep were the only two exceptions. Of course, that was then, a time when books for folks returning to nature just weren't common. Now, as more books are available, it seems Storey's has decided to improve their entire line.

The result is that Storey's Guides are now really excellent and provide a great deal of useful information. This is especially true with Raising Sheep.

Among the numerous books for prospective sheep ranchers I choose this as the best, most complete useful book for the small farmer.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a case for sheep, July 30, 2001

By 

theresa springer (Colordo) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Storey's Guide to Raising Sheep: Breeds, Care, Facilities (Paperback)

Carol Ekarius didnt reinvent the wheel on her latest book, she updated and added to Paula Simmons, reference book, Storeys Guide to raising Sheep. The chapter on breeds is quite extensive. I was unaware of the heritage and rare sheep breeds. The Jacob sheep, which was once an endangered species, is making a comeback. (665 counted in the last census). These breeds have some desirable characteristics, particularly when used on a diversified farm or ranch. The chapter devoted to the use of guardian animals is a wonderful addition. It certainly leaves one with loads to think about. Carol presented a convincing case using science and technology to declare sheep as top-notch weed controllers. Weeds are a major hurdle facing the agriculture industry, including small acreage owners. Weeds are negatively impacting the over health of our environment. Sheep seem to be a viable solution worthy of further investigation. They control weeds, fertilize and give the owner a product that is highly marketable. True to Ekarius form there is a chapter on marketing your product. Take a look; she has some great ideas that can easily be adapted to any region. The final chapter is on showing sheep. 4-H and FFA leaders now have an updated informative book that is not cost prohibitive. I recommend this book to parents of children taking one of these projects. It is worth it.