Adopting a sheep is a good idea for children and the elderly

Even just one day in his company reduces the stress hormone and increases oxytocin, meaning calm and well-being.

di |
pexels brett sayles 2192240 scaled
Just one day in their company is enough to lower cortisol levels—the stress hormone—while increasing the production of oxytocin, the neurotransmitter associated with calm and well-being. Adopting a sheep is not only a simple and effective gesture, but it's also a great idea, especially if you have children or elderly people in your home. Thanks to their wonderful personalities, they form very strong bonds with children, who learn the value of care, and with the elderly, who feel less alone.
 
So, instead of waiting for the lamb to sacrifice for our Easter lunches, a good idea might be to not waste the enormous qualities of this animal by adopting a sheep. This is no longer a rare gesture, considering the increased interest in the ovine universe since, in early January 2026, the International Year (proclaimed by the UN) of Pastures and shepherds.
 

How to adopt

Let's start with a premise: sheep love company, and in fact live in flocks, so for their well-being, it's best to adopt at least one pair. The process is standard: with the help of a local health authority veterinarian or the breeder from whom the sheep is purchased., it is necessary to proceed with registration in the zootechnical BDN, and the At that time, any changes (including the death or birth of other specimens) must be regularly reported. 

The stable code (mandatory) is requested from the competent ASL, on the basis of which an identifying microchip is received, exactly like the one used for dogs and catsRegular medical check-ups are essential, as are shearing once or twice a year (the average cost of shearing is 2 euros per sheep).

pexels jonast 7630375

How it feeds

Sheep need a lot of water, they eat grass, and in fact they are considered "natural lawnmowers", but excluding plants such as thewood sorrel, The belladonna, marsh horsetail, colchicum and sorghum, which are toxicThe alternative to grass is hay, which must be dry, clean, and mold-free. Expensive feed should be avoided, and in any case, sheep indoors cannot eat human kitchen scraps, especially bread, pasta, and sweets. 

How long does he live?

An adopted sheep lives a very long time in a home, and can reach up to 25 years, compared to the 10-12 years of life in a farm.

Benefits

The sheep is a docile, tender and affectionate animal, and these characteristics alone make it particularly suited to family life.

Furthermore:

  • Research conducted by the universities of Ulm and Ravensburg, in Germany, has shown that contact with sheep increases trust and positivity. in patients suffering from drug abuse or alcoholism.  
  • Another research from the Japanese universities of Toyama and Ishikawa shows that even just one day of interaction with sheep reduces cortisol levels, and therefore stress..
  • Sheep are very well suited to living with children, and bring them, in a natural way, closer to the world of nature and animals.

pexels kaan boyaci 1270718444 23913728

The most suitable breeds for adoption at home 

Any adoption must be made by choosing the right breed, based on the climate and area where you live. The most suitable breeds to keep at home are: 

  • Sardinian sheep: It's a hardy breed characterized by a small, hornless head. It's the most common sheep in Italy and adapts easily to new environments, making it a good choice if there are children in the home.
  • Black of Arbus: Named after the Sardinian municipality of the same name, it is a small, native sheep (40-50 kg) with black fleece. It thrives on steep terrain. It is ideal for those who want to try their hand at milking and making homemade cheese. 
  • Bergamo: Known as a meat sheep, it is a docile but hardy animal; it is also content with "poor" pastures and its wool is white and dense. Excellent companion, even for Older people. 
  • Dorper: With a white body and black head, this sheep of South African origin has medium-short hair and a stocky build. It tolerates heat, cold, and disease well. It's ideal as a lawnmower. 
  • Dwarf of Quessant: Hailing from Brittany, it is the smallest sheep in the world (weighing no more than 15 kg). Hardy and good-natured, it can be white, black, or brown. It is resistant to harsh climates and is especially perfect for novice breeders. 
  • Valais blacknose: The Valais Blacknose Sheep, originally from Switzerland, has a curly white coat, while its muzzle (with horns), ears, and legs are black. It is a docile sheep, unafraid of bad weather, and is recommended for wool production. 

Distance adoption 

Those who do not have the necessary space can adopt a sheep from a distance, for example by contacting the Mannos company (www.mannos.it), in the province of Sassari. The sheep will have a tag with the name of the person who initiated the adoption and within a year you can:
 
  • visit the sheep and the farm
  • get photos of your health
  • receive at home between one-kilo pecorino cheeses, aged for two and nine months

Read also:

Want to see a selection of our news?

Don't Waste