When sheep are housed in winter or for health reasons, ventilation, space, and group management significantly affect welfare; inadequate housing imposes respiratory and social welfare costs.
Sheep housing welfare requires attention to factors that are often overlooked in species perceived as outdoor animals that tolerate rough conditions. Sheep housed in poorly ventilated sheds at high stocking density experience respiratory disease pressure that causes significant welfare harm. Social group management during housing — maintaining familiar groups where possible — reduces the aggression and stress of mixing unfamiliar individuals. Adequate space and bedding prevent the lameness and hypothermia that represent the most obvious housing-related welfare problems.