Welcome to the Sheep Project!

Who can join the project?

     Any member can join the sheep project. Members must be 9 years of age to show at the Santa Clara County Fair. When the sheep are purchased they weigh roughly 60 pounds and at market they need to weigh 105 to 150 pounds.

What does it cost to have project?

     The initial cost of a good lamb is usually somewhere between $250.00 and $500.00 but you can purchase lambs for a lot more should you choose to do so. It then costs about $100.00 to feed it. Beyond that you will have additional cost for basic tack. A rough estimate for basic tack would be somewhere in the range of $100.00 dollars for the things you have to have. This would include feed pans, water buckle, tools, halter, show supplies and alike.

Where do I keep them?

     If members do not have room to keep sheep at home, Pleasant Acres has a contract to keep animals at Emma Prusch Park. Prusch Park is located where Highways 280 and 101 meet. To keep animals there members must sign a contact with the park and adhere to their rules, as well as, pay a fee of approximately $25.00 per animal. Sheep contracts are valid for 6 months, should you keep the animal for longer you will need to resubmit a contract and pay additional fees. Contracts are approved on a case-by-case basis and also depend on space availability.

What kind of time commitment will I need for this project?

     As with all large animal projects of Pleasant Acres, once you have decided to join the project you must sign a “ Sheep Participation Agreement”. This agreement lays out an outline of the projects and minimum requirements of participation you must meet. See the “ Sheep Participation Agreement” for more details.

How long will I have my sheep?

     Although members are only required to own sheep for 60 days (2 months) before fair most will have them for 4 to 6 months. Most members will purchase their animals somewhere between March and May because that is when most of the sales are. Once most members have their sheep we will start having practice. The practice schedule depends on the animals and the needs of members. See “Sheep Participation Agreement” for more details.

How often do I need to feed and clean my sheep?

     Sheep need to be feed twice a day preferably 12 hours between each feeding. They need to be fed grain and hay at each of these feedings everyday. They also need clean water and a fresh dry bed each day as well. When weather is bad and things are muddy, sheep may need to be bathed when weather permits to remove excess dirt and mud.

Should I go to jackpot shows?

     Jackpot shows are a great practice run for both members and lambs. At most of the shows members can participate in both market and showmanship classes for money and prizes. It is also an opportunity to actually fit your animal for the show, along with being able to show in front of a judge. Most jackpot shows are from January though May and are located all over California.

What tools or equipment do I need to be in the project?


Miscellaneous Tools /Tack:
 

Broom	Feeding Pan	Rubber Boots	Tack Box
Clippers	Garbage Can	Scraper	Towels
Coffee Can	Halter	Soap	Wash Supplies & Bucket
Feed (grain/hay)	Pallet	Square Shovel	Wheel Barrow

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