Small Ruminants (Sheep & Goats)
Sheep Handling Facility Design Guide
A planning guide for laying out handling pens, chutes and alleys for sheep. Use it before building or remodeling to make work safer and easier.
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GuideSmall Ruminants (Sheep & Goats)Free PDF
The steps on this page
- List the jobs the facility must handle
- Choose a site with good drainage
- Plan a gathering pen and flow path
- Design the alley and sorting gate
- Add a working chute or restraint
- Plan loading and unloading access
- Review plans with extension or NRCS
- Check safety and footing before use
How to use this guide
Read the steps once through before you start, then keep the page nearby while you work. Use the notes lines to add what your own setup needs.
Where to check the details
This sheet is a general template, so confirm specifics with your own manuals, labels and local rules. For current official guidance, start with USDA NRCS and eXtension.
For more in this area, see the small farm and homestead guides. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Sheep Boost Bees 38% at Solar Farm, and ranching farm stories.