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What should I look for when purchasing Damara?

When purchasing Damara, look for strong, healthy animals with good body condition, sound structure, and conformation that meets the standards for the breed as set out by the Australian Damara Society. Lambs should demonstrate solid growth and appropriate weaning weights for their age. Ask for vaccination history. It is also worth discussing the stud’s management practices, as understanding how the flock is run helps reduce the risk of introducing avoidable issues onto your own property. Transparency around overall flock health status is equally important. If purchasing purebred Damara, request pedigree information and confirm that the sheep are recorded and registered, or registrable, with the Australian Damara Society. Registration provides an additional layer of assurance that the animals meet recognised breed standards and have verifiable lineage, rather than relying solely on visual assessment or unrecorded breeding claims. Check our detailed Guide to Purchasing Damara.

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How many Damara should I start with?

Damara are flock animals and should never be kept alone. A minimum of two is essential. They have a very strong flock instinct and are most settled and confident when they have their own kind around them. A single animal will become stressed and vocal, and will not thrive. They can join other sheep breed flocks – however we have found there can sometimes be a short period of adjustment as they figure out what those unusual looking creatures are!

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What do they eat?

Damara are browsers as well as grazers – they as much a goat as a sheep, and will forage on a huge variety of shrubs, grasses and forbes, even those that other species will avoid. This makes them a useful addition to mixed enterprises, particularly where pasture diversity and weed management are part of the goal. Supplementary feeding, if necessary can include standard hays, pellets etc. A mineral block should be available at all times.

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Do parent coat colours determine the colour of Damara lambs?

No. A brown Damara crossed with a brown Damara will not automatically produce brown lambs. Coat colour or patterning does not determine the colour or patterning of offspring. You may see certain characteristics passed down (such as eye lines), but overall it is essentially a colour lucky dip — which makes lambing time especially exciting.

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Do I need special fencing for Damara?

Damara are generally very respectful of fences and tend to be less hard on them than many other breeds. Standard sheep fencing is usually more than sufficient. The main consideration is not so much keeping them in, but keeping predators out if that’s a concern in your area. Given good boundaries, they settle quickly and are unlikely to challenge fence lines except under extreme pressure. Remember – Damara mature slowly, and are smaller and leaner in the first year than traditional wool breeds. Sheep mesh may be more appropriate when they are younger rather than single strand fencing.

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How much land do Damara need?

The amount of land required depends on pasture quality, rainfall, and how intensively the property is managed. On good pasture, a small group can comfortably graze a modest acreage, though supplemental feeding may be necessary during dry periods. Damara are natural browsers as well as grazers, meaning they will readily utilise shrubs, weeds, tree clippings, and prunings in addition to grass. They are particularly useful in mixed paddocks where controlling woody growth and invasive plants is part of the goal. Rather than requiring perfectly manicured pasture, they also thrive in more varied landscapes with diverse forage available.

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What ongoing care do Damara require?

Damara require regular health checks, parasite monitoring, appropriate vaccinations, access to clean water, and suitable mineral supplementation. A basic mineral lick block is generally sufficient in most situations, depending on local soil and pasture conditions. Vaccinations are important in preventing clostridial diseases, and a sound worm management program should always be in place. Damara are a particularly hardy breed with strong natural resistance to internal parasites compared to many other breeds, and typically require less intervention in relation to drenching when managed correctly. Basic hoof trimming may also be required, particularly in environments where natural wear does not occur.

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Do Damara require shearing, and why does my baby Damara seem to have wool?

No. Damara are a hair sheep and do not require shearing. Unlike traditional wool sheep, which grow a dense fleece that must be shorn annually, hair sheep grow a coat that naturally sheds each year. As lambs, Damara carry a soft, woolly coat that provides protection from the elements, which can remain for up to two years. This coat naturally sheds as they mature.

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Are Damara easy to handle?

Damara are generally calm and manageable when accustomed to regular human presence. Their strong flocking instinct makes them easier to move and direct than many other breeds, as they naturally group tightly together and respond as a flock. This tendency to hold a cohesive flock is a significant advantage when shifting paddocks, working through yards, or guiding them without excessive stress. As with all livestock, calm handling and good yard design (if applicable) make a considerable difference.

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Can Damara live with other animals?

Damara coexist well with other livestock, including cattle, pigs, horses, poultry, and working dogs when introduced and managed appropriately. Our flock is accustomed to living alongside pigs, goats, dogs, chickens, geese, and ducks, and should integrate well into mixed farm environments. Care should be taken when running sheep and goats together, as they share many internal parasites and require management. In contrast, running Damara alongside species such as cattle, horses, or pigs can be advantageous, as these animals host different parasite species. Mixed grazing and thoughtful paddock rotation across species can help reduce overall parasite pressure and contribute to healthier pasture systems.

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What should I have ready when my Damara arrive?

Before your Damara arrive, ensure you have a secure, smaller enclosure or yard prepared so they can settle safely into their new environment. Fresh, clean water should be available immediately. Provide access to basic, familiar feed such as good quality pasture or hay, but avoid introducing rich or unfamiliar feeds straight away. After the stress of transport, dietary changes should always be introduced gradually. It is advisable to keep new arrivals in a smaller paddock or yard for the first week or two. This allows them to settle, learn their boundaries, and become familiar with their surroundings before being given access to larger areas. It also gives you a couple of wonderful weeks to admire your gorgeous new additions and get to know them properly. Quiet handling and minimal disturbance during this initial period will help them adjust calmly and confidently.