Storey's Guide to Raising Sheep: Breeds, Care, Facilities (Paperback)

by Paula Simmons (Author), Carol Ekarius (Author) "Sheep are the dumbest animals on God's green earth," our neighbor avowed with a vigorous shake of his head when he saw the newest additions..." (more)
Key Phrases: United States, North America, Courtesy American Sheep Industry Association (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
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 re-introducing 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.

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)

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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 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #37,602 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #55 in	Books > Science > Agricultural Sciences > Animal Husbandry
  #62 in	Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Agricultural Sciences > Animal Husbandry

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 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 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.

27 of 28 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

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.

19 of 20 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

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.