A Complete Guide to Caring for Suffolk Sheep

Suffolk sheep are one of the most popular and recognisable sheep breeds in the UK, known for their distinctive black faces and legs, as well as their excellent meat production. Originally developed in the late 18th century, Suffolk sheep are a hardy, fast-growing breed that adapts well to a variety of farming systems. They are a great choice for both new and experienced sheep farmers looking to raise sheep for meat or to improve their flock's genetics.

If you’re considering keeping Suffolk sheep, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about caring for this iconic breed, including housing, feeding, breeding, and health care.

A Brief History of Suffolk Sheep

The Suffolk breed originated in the UK in the late 1700s from a cross between Southdown rams and Norfolk Horn ewes. The resulting breed quickly gained popularity for its size, hardiness, and meat quality. Today, Suffolk sheep are one of the most widely kept breeds in the UK and are often used as terminal sires in commercial flocks to improve lamb growth rates and meat quality.

Their distinctive black faces and legs, combined with their white fleece, make them one of the most easily recognisable sheep breeds.

Key Characteristics of Suffolk Sheep

Suffolk sheep are valued for their practical traits that make them a popular choice for farmers.

• Size: Suffolks are a large breed. Mature rams can weigh between 110-160kg, while ewes typically weigh between 70-100kg.
• Appearance: Suffolks have a distinctive appearance with a black face, black legs, and a white fleece.
• Temperament: They are generally calm and docile, making them relatively easy to handle.
• Meat Quality: Suffolk lambs are known for their fast growth rates and high-quality meat, with good carcass conformation.
• Hardiness: While Suffolk sheep are hardy, they do best in well-managed pastures and may require more care during lambing.

Housing for Suffolk Sheep

While Suffolk sheep are hardy animals that can live outdoors year-round, they still need appropriate shelter and secure fencing to keep them safe and comfortable.

Shelter Requirements

• Natural Shelter: In milder climates, natural shelter such as hedgerows and trees can provide adequate protection from wind and rain.
• Man-Made Shelter: Provide a field shelter or barn to protect sheep during extreme weather or during lambing season. The shelter should be well-ventilated, dry, and spacious enough to accommodate the flock.

Fencing

• Secure Fencing: Suffolk sheep are strong and can be curious. Use secure fencing that is at least 1.2 metres high. Electric fencing can also be effective to keep them contained.
• Gate Safety: Ensure gates are secure and check fencing regularly for any damage or weak spots.

Feeding Suffolk Sheep

A well-balanced diet is essential for keeping your Suffolk sheep healthy and productive. Their diet will vary depending on the time of year and the stage of their life cycle.

Diet

• Pasture: The majority of a Suffolk sheep’s diet should come from good-quality pasture. They are efficient grazers and thrive on grass.
• Hay or Silage: Provide hay or silage during the winter months or when pasture is limited.
• Concentrates: Pregnant ewes, lactating ewes, and lambs may need supplementary concentrates to meet their nutritional needs.
• Mineral Supplements: Provide a mineral block or loose minerals specifically formulated for sheep to ensure they receive essential nutrients, such as calcium, phosphorus, and selenium.

Water

• Ensure your sheep have constant access to fresh, clean water. Sheep can drink 4-6 litres of water per day, depending on their diet and weather conditions.

Breeding Suffolk Sheep

Suffolk sheep are commonly used as terminal sires due to their ability to produce fast-growing lambs with good carcass quality. They are also known for their ease of lambing and strong maternal instincts.

Breeding Tips

• Age to Breed: Ewes can be bred from around 18 months of age, although some farmers breed them at 12 months if they have reached a suitable weight.
• Gestation Period: The gestation period for sheep is approximately 147 days (about 5 months).
• Lambing: Suffolk sheep are known for their ease of lambing. However, it’s important to monitor ewes closely during lambing season and be prepared to assist if necessary.

Care of Lambs

• Ensure lambs receive colostrum (the first milk) within the first few hours after birth to boost their immune system.
• Keep lambing areas clean and dry to reduce the risk of infections.

Health Care for Suffolk Sheep

Keeping your Suffolk sheep healthy is essential for their wellbeing and productivity. Regular health checks, vaccinations, and parasite control are key components of good flock management.

Vaccinations

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

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

Deworming

Regular deworming is necessary to control internal parasites such as roundworms and liver fluke. Use faecal egg counts to determine the parasite burden and avoid overusing dewormers to prevent resistance.

Hoof Care

• Trimming: Regularly check and trim your sheep’s hooves to prevent overgrowth and lameness. Suffolk sheep are prone to foot issues if kept in wet conditions.
• Foot Rot Prevention: Keep housing areas clean and dry to reduce the risk of foot rot.

Common Health Issues

• Flystrike: Suffolk sheep, like all breeds, are at risk of flystrike during the summer months. Check your sheep regularly and apply preventative treatments.
• Bloat: Ensure your sheep have a consistent diet and avoid sudden changes in feed to reduce the risk of bloat.
• Orf: A contagious viral disease that causes scabs around the mouth and nose. Vaccines are available to prevent outbreaks.

Behaviour and Handling

Suffolk sheep are known for their calm and docile nature, making them relatively easy to handle compared to some other breeds.

• Calm Handling: Approach your sheep calmly and avoid sudden movements to prevent stress.
• Positive Reinforcement: Use feed as a positive reinforcement to encourage your sheep to come to you.
• Training: Sheep can be trained to follow basic commands and routines, particularly if handled from a young age.

Why Choose Suffolk Sheep?

There are several reasons why Suffolk sheep are a popular choice for farmers and smallholders:

• Fast Growth Rates: Suffolk lambs grow quickly and reach slaughter weight sooner than many other breeds.
• High-Quality Meat: Suffolk sheep produce lean, tender meat with excellent flavour, making it highly sought after in the meat market.
• Ease of Lambing: Suffolk ewes are known for their ease of lambing and strong maternal instincts, reducing the need for intervention during births.
• Adaptability: They can thrive in a variety of farming systems, from extensive grazing to more intensive setups.
• Friendly Temperament: Their calm nature makes them suitable for beginners and smallholders.

Final Thoughts

Suffolk sheep are an excellent choice for new sheep owners looking to raise a hardy, productive breed. Their fast growth rates, high-quality meat, and ease of lambing make them a rewarding addition to any flock. By providing proper housing, a balanced diet, regular health care, and good breeding management, you can ensure your Suffolk sheep thrive and remain healthy.

Always work closely with your vet to establish a health management plan, and enjoy the experience of raising this iconic British breed.