While sheep offers some potential profits, they can also offer some serious loss. It all depends on your location, pastures, and willingness to add a lot more work to your day. The number one requirement in a large operation for success is a well-trained Great Pyrenees dog. Another good idea is a few goats with the sheep. Sheep can destroy a pasture fast and in a hurry. I always had two fenced pastures and I rotated the sheep weekly. Also, a special barn set up for lambing and shearing time may be necessary. Yes, mineral is very important as FH says.
I would say that good shepherding is about 4 times the work of good beef cattle care. One must be experienced in delivering multiple births as well as breech presentations. If you love your good night's sleep, then sheep ranching isn't for you. Calling a vet during lambing can really take away any profit.
I would advise anyone considering sheep to assess their area's predator situation. Areas where domestic dogs are allowed to run at large can be a real problem. Once good neighbors can become enemies should your Great Pyrenees kill their dog chasing your sheep or you shoot the entire dog pack tearing apart a valuable ewe.
