The ruling on lost sheep if their owner is not found

Question : This questioner says: Bedouins living in the desert found some lost sheep and searched for their owner but did not find him. They added them to their own flock until the flock became very large. What should they do with them now?

Answer : If a person finds lost sheep, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was asked about that, and he said: "It is for you, or for your brother, or for the wolf. It is for you, or for your brother, or for the wolf." If you do not find its owner and the wolf has not eaten it, it is for you, or for your brother. Who is his brother? Either its owner, or another man who also finds it, or for the wolf if no one takes it. The scholars (may Allah have mercy on them) say that one should announce the sheep he has found for a period of one year. If its owner comes, it is his; otherwise, it belongs to the finder. So we say to this brother: If you have announced this lost sheep for a year and searched without finding anyone, it is yours, and its increase is also yours.