"Marshall Wilkinson" wrote in

We've got a small paddock that we plan to put a couple of sheep in to keep
the grass down and use their wool. What, specifically, is required for
sheep
fencing? i.e. to keep them in. We live in the upper Blue Mountains, NSW
and
are interested in sheep with a good temperament (so kids can enjoy them)
and
with good wool. Any suggestions?

First of all don't get cross breeds, they are too smart, go for pure breds.
With merinos, the old joke about them is that you can keep them in with a
line drawn on the ground (and they'll certainly comply with the good wool).
One thing though to watch in the Blue Mountains climate in a normal
non-drought year is fly strike - nothing worse than having to deal with
maggots eating your live stock. If you don't know how to deal with it or
identify it, learn it fast, otherwise the kids will have nightmares about
being eaten by maggots. One of the English pure breds that are dual prupose
meat/wool might be the go for your damper climes

As for fences use sheep wire, wood strainers on the ends and corners, plain
wire top, belly and bottom of sheep wire and then one strand of plain above
that and topped off with one barb wire on the top.

Remember that sheep (or any animals of size) that are too used to humans and
too much of a pet can be a total menace. They have no respect. I remember
having to run like the wind from one of the pet lanbs as a child, he got me
as often as not.