Instructions
Place the sheep where it can see others. Even though there may be a fence between the one sheep on its own and the rest of the flock, knowing there are others around will help it stay calm and allow it to rest.
Limit loud noises. Sheep have highly developed hearing and respond to barking or banging by becoming stressed. Make sure there are no dogs around to disturb the sheep if you want it to rest.
Speak in a calm, reassuring voice. Sheep are perceptive animals and will pick up on sudden moves or agitated behavior. Always move slowly when handling a sheep, as it conveys the message that you are in control of the situation and helps the sheep relax.
Pat the sheep on the head. Since the body is covered with thick wool, the only place sheep have much feeling is on their heads. Their lips are also sensitive areas and the sheep will respond if you run your hands over that area. Contact with a human is reassuring for a sheep.
Provide the sheep with adequate food and water. If it is a lamb that is on its own, it will have to be bottle-fed every three to four hours. Sheep consider grain a special treat, so giving it some feed will help it relax.
Leave an electric light -- like safely lights designed for children -- burning in the barn. A bright overhead light may keep the sheep awake, but a small light is reassuring and will help it rest.
Check on the sheep often to make sure it is resting. Rather than leaving it alone for extended periods of time, visit the sheep and let it know you are keeping an eye on it, which fosters trust and the ability to relax.
How to Get a Sheep to Rest
Sheep are social animals, so having any less than five or six in a flock goes against their basic nature. Isolating a sheep -- be it because you are shipping it to another farm or because you want to raise a pet lamb to teach pet care to kindergarten students -- requires you to pay close attention to its needs so you can get it to rest and avoid being anxious when it is on its own.