Farmed Animals

Sheep Housing Welfare During Winter

Indoor housing of sheep during winter raises welfare considerations around space, social grouping, and health management.

Key Facts

UK sheep are commonly housed indoors from December through lambing into spring
High-stocking-density housing increases respiratory disease, lameness, and social stress
Lice and scab are more problematic in housed sheep due to close contact
Adequate ventilation without draughts is critical for housed sheep respiratory health
Well-managed housing with adequate space can provide better welfare than outdoor exposure in severe weather

Welfare Considerations

Sheep housing welfare depends critically on stocking density, ventilation, bedding quality, and social group stability. High-density housing in poorly ventilated buildings causes respiratory disease at high rates. When housing is well-managed with adequate space and ventilation, it can protect sheep from severe winter welfare challenges while maintaining good welfare.

What You Can Do

Support welfare standards that specify minimum space requirements for housed sheep
Choose lamb and wool from farms with documented housing welfare management
Advocate for mandatory housing welfare standards including ventilation requirements
Support research into optimal sheep housing design and management
Engage with farmers about the welfare benefits of lower stocking densities in housing