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(7)  Shearing.  You can do it yourself or hire a shearer.   The point is to make sure it is done at least annually (with some breeds you may want to do it more often).    Shearing  isn't just done if you want the wool, or for aesthetics.  Most breeds have had the ability to shed bred out of them by people, and need to be shorn for their health.   If you don't want to take this on, consider goats or a sheep breed such as Katahdin.     See list of shearers (mostly in Central Maine). Picture:  Ewe near full fleece at end of winter.  The sheep is a Shetland/Finn cross.

Picture:  Shearing demonstration by Lee Straw at Common Ground Fair (1999).  The sheep is a Horned Dorset.

(8) Hoof trimming.  You can easily do the trimming yourself.   Ask someone to show you how.   The usual way to hold the sheep is to flip the sheep gently onto his or her backside (same as when begin shearing).   However, if you're small and have a big sheep, there is another way.   You can put a halter and lead rope on a sheep, tie the sheep to a wall, and do the hooves with the sheep standing up (like a horse).   Don't start trimming until you get the sheep to calm down while you are holding his or her hoof (watch a good farrier trimming a nervous horse, and you'll get the idea).  Talk quietly to the sheep.   You'd never want to do this with a lot of sheep (it takes time) but...if it works.       Another note on trimming--the flipping thing doesn't work well with lambs (they wiggle away).   It is easier to sit on a low stool, put the lamb on its backside, and hold it between your knees (lamb on backside, but supported by your knees).

You'll still want to learn how to gently flip a sheep onto his or her backside.  There are times when only that will do.

(9)  Vaccinations.  You can give most vaccinations yourself (get someone to show you how).   In Maine, a rabies vaccination  must be given by a vet.

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