A Complete Guide to Caring for Jacob Sheep

Jacob sheep are a striking and ancient breed, known for their unique piebald coats and impressive multi-horned appearance. With their friendly nature and hardy constitution, they are a popular choice for smallholders and hobby farmers across the UK. Whether you're keeping Jacob sheep for their wool, meat, or simply as a beautiful addition to your farm, they are a rewarding breed that offers a variety of benefits.

If you're considering keeping Jacob sheep, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know, including housing, feeding, health care, breeding, and general management.

A Brief History of Jacob Sheep

Jacob sheep have a long and fascinating history, with origins that are believed to date back thousands of years to the Middle East. They are thought to have arrived in the UK in the 17th century, where they were kept in stately homes and parklands as ornamental sheep due to their striking appearance.

Today, Jacob sheep are valued not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their high-quality wool and lean meat. They are classed as a rare breed in the UK but have a growing following among small-scale farmers and wool enthusiasts.

Key Characteristics of Jacob Sheep

Jacob sheep have several distinctive traits that make them an attractive and practical choice for farmers and smallholders.

• Appearance: Jacobs are easily recognisable by their black-and-white piebald fleece and their characteristic horns. They can have two, four, or even six horns, which are a key feature of the breed.
• Size: They are a medium-sized breed, with ewes typically weighing between 40-60kg, and rams weighing up to 80kg.
• Temperament: Jacob sheep are known for their friendly and docile nature, making them easy to handle and manage.
• Hardiness: They are a hardy breed that can thrive in various climates and grazing conditions.
• Wool Quality: Jacob fleece is sought after by hand spinners and crafters for its natural colour and softness, making it ideal for a variety of textile applications.
• Meat Quality: Jacob sheep produce lean, flavoursome meat with a fine texture.

Housing for Jacob Sheep

Jacob sheep are well-suited to outdoor living and can thrive in extensive grazing systems. However, they still require appropriate shelter and secure fencing to ensure their welfare and safety.

Shelter Requirements

• Natural Shelter: Jacob sheep are hardy but will benefit from natural shelter such as hedgerows and trees to provide shade and protection from wind and rain.
• Man-Made Shelter: During extreme weather or lambing, a simple field shelter or barn with good ventilation is recommended to keep them dry and comfortable.
• Bedding: If housed during winter, provide clean straw bedding to keep them warm and dry.

Fencing

• Secure Fencing: Jacobs are agile and can jump or squeeze through weak spots in fencing. Use secure post-and-rail fencing or electric fencing to contain them effectively.
• Height: A fence height of at least 1.2 metres is recommended to prevent escapes.

Feeding Jacob Sheep

A well-balanced diet is essential to keep your Jacob sheep healthy and productive. They are efficient grazers but will need supplementary feeding in certain conditions.

Diet

• Pasture: Jacobs thrive on good-quality grass pasture and are known to be excellent foragers, making them suitable for conservation grazing.
• Hay or Silage: During the winter months, provide hay or silage to supplement their diet when fresh grass is not available.
• Concentrates: Pregnant or lactating ewes, and growing lambs, may require supplementary concentrates to meet their nutritional needs.
• Minerals and Vitamins: Ensure access to a mineral block formulated for sheep to provide essential nutrients, such as calcium, phosphorus, and selenium.

Water

• Jacob sheep need constant access to fresh, clean water. On average, they will drink between 4-6 litres per day, depending on weather conditions and diet.

Breeding Jacob Sheep

Jacob sheep are excellent mothers with strong maternal instincts and typically lamb with minimal assistance.

Breeding Tips

• Age to Breed: Ewes can be bred from 18 months of age to ensure they are mature enough to carry a healthy pregnancy.
• Gestation Period: The gestation period for Jacob sheep is around 147 days (approximately 5 months).
• Lambing: Jacobs usually have an easy lambing process but should still be monitored closely to provide assistance if needed.

Care of Lambs

• Ensure lambs receive colostrum within the first few hours after birth to boost their immune system.
• Keep the lambing area clean and dry to minimise the risk of infections.

Health Care for Jacob Sheep

Jacob sheep are generally healthy and robust but, like all livestock, require regular health care to keep them in top condition.

Vaccinations

Work with your vet to establish a vaccination schedule for your flock. Common vaccinations include protection against:

• Clostridial diseases (e.g., tetanus, pulpy kidney, blackleg)
• Pasteurellosis (a bacterial infection causing pneumonia)

Deworming

• Regular deworming is necessary to control internal parasites such as roundworms and liver fluke.
• Use faecal egg counts to determine the need for treatment and avoid overuse of dewormers to prevent resistance.

Hoof Care

• Trimming: Regularly check and trim your sheep's hooves to prevent overgrowth and lameness.
• Foot Rot Prevention: Maintain dry, clean conditions to reduce the risk of foot rot and infections.

Common Health Issues

• Flystrike: Jacobs are susceptible to flystrike in warm weather. Inspect them regularly and apply preventative treatments.
• Orf: A viral infection causing scabby lesions around the mouth and nose. Vaccination is available to reduce outbreaks.
• Scrapie: A neurodegenerative disease affecting sheep. Ensure you source sheep from scrapie-monitored flocks.

Behaviour and Handling

Jacob sheep are known for their friendly and inquisitive nature, making them easy to handle and a joy to keep.

• Calm Handling: Approach them gently to build trust and avoid stress.
• Positive Reinforcement: Using treats and feed can encourage cooperation during handling.
• Training: Sheep can be trained to follow feeding routines and handling procedures.

Why Choose Jacob Sheep?

There are several reasons why Jacob sheep are an excellent choice for new and experienced smallholders:

• Attractive Appearance: Their unique piebald coat and multiple horns make them a visually stunning addition to any farm.
• High-Quality Wool: Their fleece is prized for its natural colours and versatility.
• Hardiness: Jacobs thrive in a variety of climates and require minimal intervention.
• Efficient Grazers: They are excellent for pasture management and can thrive on poorer grazing land.
• Friendly Nature: Their docile temperament makes them easy to handle, even for beginners.

Final Thoughts

Jacob sheep are an excellent choice for new owners looking for a hardy, low-maintenance breed that offers both visual appeal and practical benefits. Whether you're raising them for wool, meat, or as a heritage breed to conserve their unique characteristics, Jacob sheep are a rewarding addition to any smallholding.

By providing proper housing, a balanced diet, regular health care, and good breeding management, you can ensure your Jacob sheep thrive and remain healthy. Always work closely with your vet to establish a health management plan, and enjoy the experience of raising this unique and versatile breed.