Handling Animals: Sheep

Preparation: Prior to actual handling, it is wise to have though through all the tasks and possible responses of the sheep. Are all the facilities, tools, chemicals, and protective clothing ready? Are there sufficient people on hand having the necessary skill? Is the route ready, with all unnecessary avenues blocked off? Once handling has started, such preparation helps the job to go smoothly and lessens delay due to unforeseen events.
Risk of injury: Because of the relatively small size of sheep, we tend to lift and move them manually, often with a bent back. Such action may cause low-grade back injury with a cumulative effect.
Although sheep are generally not aggressive towards people, they sometimes cause injuries. Rams, particularly during the mating season, may attack with sufficient force to cause serious leg or back injury. Remember that sheep do not sense their environment in the same way as humans. They have eyes at the sides of their heads and can almost see behind themselves without turning their heads.
Arousal: Here are some common factors that tend to incite or arouse sheep:

1. Visual isolation from other sheep
2. Proximity of dogs or people
3. Hunger or thirst
4. Sexual activity
5. New environments
6. Unusual loud or high frequency sounds

The following factors decrease arousal:

1. Proximity of other sheep
2. Low-frequency noises such as the "rumble" call of a ewe to her lamb, or the courting ram to an oestrous ewe
3. Low illumination, as in covered yards.