I’ve gotten a few questions regarding my use of free form copper with my sheep. Before I get into all of that, I do want to be clear that copper is only one element of our program to keep our sheep healthy without the use of chemical dewormers. Pasture rotation, high tannin forage on pasture and fed intermittently, garlic, DE dried oregano, and ACV are all part of the program. Moreover, any sheep feed must be copper free.
Step 1: Make sure your sheep are copper free
Once your sheep are free from any copper inputs (read all labels carefully) for at least 2 weeks, you can use our process. The reason for the wash out period is just to be sure that there isn’t’ a reasonably high level of copper in your sheep before you start. While we do rely on our sheep self modulating their consumption of copper, I cannot say for certain that they can nail the optimal consumption exactly so I don’t want any copper in their system that could cause a problem.
Step 2: Use the right product for the job
I cannot attest to any other product than the one we use. You can find it at the following location (this is not an affiliate link – I offer it up because I like the product). https://www.abcplus.biz/Sheep_Goats_Minerals_Cu-Mix
Step 3: No Need to Over-do it
When I put out copper I only use a small amount – 1/4th of a cup. I do this primarily because copper sulfate is expensive and in my climate, seems to absorb water from the air. Once it has become liquid, the sheep won’t eat it. 
Note that the copper is in a separate bowl. I do this so the sheep are very aware this is different from other minerals.
Step 4: Offer it to the Sheep
I offer the copper sulfate to the sheep before I place it on the ground so they know it’s there. The sheep come over, take a sniff and then usually walk off. 
Today, only one ewe, Louise, was interested after the initial sniff. The other three did not consume any while I was still on pasture. 
The ewes will be offered copper for three days. After that, I’ll offer it to the rams for three days. After both ewes and rams have had their option to consume copper, I’ll take it away for 2 – 3 weeks before offering again.