How To Build A Sheep Pen

So in this episode of AskNorth40, we get into sheep pens with Shane- besides being really, really good looking, Shane breaks down some properties you want in a sheep pen. These properties are durability, portability and functionality.

We are going to break these down further in the following blog, and then get into some more options on housing and caring for your flock.

Building a Sheep Pen: Durability

Most equipment for sheep is homemade. Like Shane suggests in his video, the pens need to be rugged enough to stand up to the wear they will see during shearing, lambing, weaning and everything else that comes with a flock but that ruggedness cannot sacrifice the flexibility needed for the many different pen formations you will typically see when managing a good-sized flock.

Shane also writes about backpacking on a budget, right here.

Shane suggests framing and plywood, which is a solid, cost effective method, but there are many other ways you can use your pens as well. You can have a traditional sheep pen made from 2X4s or a modern pen with tin sheeting to replace the plywood- the options are endless and as long as your panels stand up to the constant wear and tear that is associated with multiple changes, multiple penning places and many sheep you'll do just fine.

But remember this: sometimes your penning must be specific to the needs of the flock you can't build a creep pen out of solid plywood or tin sheeted fence that would defeat the purpose of creep feeders. What's a creep feeder? Read on, read on.

Sheep Pen Functionality

Your flock will have its individual needs based on what you are doing with them if it is a small flock for personal use, i.e. not a commercial enterprise you will have different penning system. For instance the creep. The creep pen is used in creeping feeding your flock aka supplying extra nutrition usually one week after birth this is a good idea in larger flocks or in flocks that have multiple births- and the fence for creep feeding is much different than the solid panels above.

Creep gates need to be big enough for the lambs to get through, but small enough to keep the ewes out of the creep feed. Like the panels above, you can, and most people do DIY, these pens when they are needed: there are many methods you can find, from pallets, to smaller size tires the biggest thing you want to remember with the creep pen is that you want it small enough inside so your lambs don't play in it- and it has to keep the ewes out as well.

If you are going to be building sheep pens, you need to know that there are many, many types of penning arrangements. Ewes require different penning arrangements and space needs depending on the stage they are in during the season: lambing, during lambing, after lambing, shearing, weaning- you can see why these pens need to be durable yet flexible.

Other Options for Sheep Pens

While the options listed above are great temporary fencing options for shearing, separating, lambing and a lot of other functions-. When it comes to finishing lambs in pasture, a great option is electric fencing.

Check out our selection of electric fencing online here. 

When considering a good setup for electric fencing, plan your pastures to allow for controlled, rotational grazing. Create a center aisle to enable easy access for livestock checking. Try to make pastures as square as possible for even grazing and to prevent trampling of the grass into paths.

Grounding your electric fence is often overlooked, but it's a critical part of your electric fence system- as important as the wires and spacing you choose (5 is the minimum recommended for sheep or goats) and grounding is as important as the Energizer.

Wondering how to set up an electric fence? Then read this.

Building a Sheep Pen: Takeaways

Most people create their own fencing solutions for sheep as long as they fulfill the three main functions of sheep pens: durability, portability and functionality your flock is going to be great!

If you have any of your own insight into sheep fencing, please share with us in the comments, and if you still have questions use the form below and reach out to us. We'll work to get back to you within 24-hours.