Sheep
If you are wearing a warm, wooly sweater, thank a sheep. Wool from sheep’s coats have been knit, woven, and sewn into products for many centuries. Wool is soft and warm. It resists fire and can be easily stored. People make sweaters, clothing, blankets, rugs, carpets, and even mattresses for beds from wool. The natural fibers are washed, dyed, and combed to make yarn.
Sheep need very little care.
They can climb rocks without falling.
They can go for long periods without water. They eat wood and shrubs, which can be found
anywhere. Sheep are raised in one of two ways.
Some sheep live in fenced pastures.
Farmers provide food and water every day. Other sheep are more independent. They live on land that is owned by the
farmer. They roam the grounds and find
food for themselves.
Some sheep are still wild.
The largest of the wild sheep live in Siberia. They are four feet (1.2 meters) tall at the shoulder. Wild sheep have enemies. Wolves and coyotes hunt sheep. Diseases and insects can make sheep sick.
Today, more than 800 breeds and varieties of sheep
exist. There are five main groups of
sheep. They are grouped by their fleece
(wool) types. They are fine wool, long
wool, crossbred wool, medium wool, and coarse wool. People value sheep for
their wool, and for meat and fat. Meat
from sheep is called mutton. It is used
in stews and other dishes. Fat from
sheep can be made into candles and soap.
Goat
Would you like a goat for a pet? Think about several things before you
answer. Make sure you know the facts
about any pet before you take it home.Do you think of goats as farm
animals? Goats give milk, wool, and
other products. They are valuable farm
animals. But they can be great pets,
too.
Think of goats in petting zoos. They are friendly and curious. People like to pet the goats and watch them
play. Pet goats are liked for the same
reasons. Some breeds, such as the dwarf
or pygmy goats, are small enough to keep in a house with a yard. But goats have some special needs.
Goats are herd animals, so they like to live in groups. A pair of goats would please the right
family. Goats can also live with
horses. Rural areas are best suited for
keeping goats. Goats need your time and
attention. They need medical care.
Goats love you to brush their coats. They love when you touch their ears. A goat has sharp teeth, so remember to keep
your hands out if its mouth. A vet must
trim your goat’s hooves. A female goat is called a nanny goat. It is also called a doe. A male goat is called a billy goat. He is also called a buck. The baby goat is called a kid.
Goats are picky eaters.
Goats love molasses, carrots, and seaweed meal. These are very good for them. Crushed oats, pony pellets, bran, chaff,
horse mix, Lucerne hay, and crushed oats are also foods they that they will
enjoy eating. Goats love to eat fresh
roots from young trees most of all.
If you want to keep a goat for a pet, prepare for its
needs. Then your goat will be happy and
so will you.