- Be sure they have enough space to lay down and stand up easily. There is no need to have anyone stepped on during transport after all.
- Utilize bedding in some form for the sheep to lay on. We lay down a stall mat in the bed of the truck, topped with pine pellet stall bedding, and finally straw. This gives lots of padding and absorption both.
- If you are new to sheep, you need to familiarize yourself how they naturally behave. When working your sheep, the key is to move slowly, and quietly. Always remember, sheep want to be with ,well, sheep. The first into the trailer/stall/carrier is the hardest, the others will follow more or less. Sheep move into a lit space easier than a dark one, plan ahead for loading with greater ease. The best way to hold a sheep is to get their nose and head raised. This normally allows you to lead with the head, and push them from the butt.
- Provide hay for the entire ride, grain is not as vital during transit. Eating reduces stress and keeps their rumen active, so free choice hay is the way to go. Fresh clean water along the trip goes without saying.
- You are welcome to hire the transporter of your choice, check their reviews and references. Be sure that they be kept in a separate stall from other animals on the trip. Never put horned sheep in the same pen as your BFLs, this is for their safety in transit. We do have recommended transporters who travel into, and out of Florida, as well as coast to coast. Feel free to ask for their contact information.
- No matter how you plan to move your new sheep. A vet issued health certificate should accompany them. If moving across state lines, be sure that you check with your state for any requirements they may have.