starter sheep

[Hedgehugs]

im looking to get 2 or 3 ewes as pets, possibly have a Lamb from each in the distant future.

I've experience with caring for sheep but I want a fairly hardy breed, that are easy to care for but I don't mind something that's hard to herd or turn

What breed would you recommend?

 

[Kiwi Pete]

im looking to get 2 or 3 ewes as pets, possibly have a Lamb from each in the distant future.

I've experience with caring for sheep but I want a fairly hardy breed, that are easy to care for but I don't mind something that's hard to herd or turn

What breed would you recommend?

Welcome along..
This is going to be an interesting thread
Personally, for just a couple of pet ewes, I'd go for a shedder, Wiltshire Exlana Easycare etc. The proponents of these will be along soon...
But really, now that they're getting more common, it's a no brainer, unless you like shearing them yourself! Far less to do if all you have to do is feed them, they'll stay cleaner etc. and lamb as well as most, better than many.
If you're looking at getting them in lamb the first year, then don't just use any old tup, get something that will throw a nice small-shouldered lamb is the best advice I can give as there are plenty of breeds that will help with that.
I put a Dorper over mine, mainly because my mate over the way had a spare, but for the above reason too. Presently trying to prevent them getting obese, as you will know, they are happy with very little.
Best of luck, let us how you get on

 

[Becs]

People seem to like Shetlands round here for pets. Small and hardy. If you buy your lambs from a pet/hobby type then the chances are they'll have been used to coming to the bucket and will be 'user-friendly' so easy to handle. I'd prefer a nice Jacob - much prettier!

 

[davieh3350]

Hebrideans are nice sheep.

 

[unlacedgecko]

For the love of God, whatever you do don't get Soays!

 

[GTB]

As said, shedders if you want to avoid shearing and fly problems. As for herding, any sheep can be taught to come to some feed. I sold ten Easycare ewes to a smallholder who had no dog. He had a little barn in the field so I recommended that he chuck a bit of feed in a trough in the barn every now and then. He can now get the ewes and their lambs inside very easily.

 

[Hedgehugs]

I do quite like dorpers, they're a nice size too

 

[Kiwi Pete]

I do quite like dorpers, they're a nice size too

I feared ridicule for saying so.
Very fertile, and I'm rubbish on a handpiece, especially for a NZer so dirty bums, long wool, belly crutching, flystrike.. not music to my ears.
Small alright, my ewe lambs are an inch taller than the 2th tup at the shoulder!
I'm not a serious sheep farmer breeder though, I just love stock, and having some tame sheep is really good after a decade of dairy- pets that pay for their keep

 

[MRT]

For the love of God, whatever you do don't get Soays!

Why not? Saves on clays

 

[Kelso690]

Can they fly?

 

[Kiwi Pete]

Why not? Saves on clays

that was good!

 

[andybk]

dont recon you can beat a good southdown , quiet , good meat/ wool ,have a chat to jonathan long , he has bigger french types , all these soyas and hebs are @@@~# for getting out if fences arent perfect , and just why is everyone so frightended of wool and going for wilts is beyond me , plenty of good pour-on products out there these days cost less than £1 , so no sweat to get them done if treated in april / may . i personally would avoid anything with horns .

 

[Pieces_of_Eight]

I'd prefer a nice Jacob

One step up from a goat.

 

[Sussex Martin]

im looking to get 2 or 3 ewes as pets, possibly have a Lamb from each in the distant future.

I've experience with caring for sheep but I want a fairly hardy breed, that are easy to care for but I don't mind something that's hard to herd or turn

What breed would you recommend?

If we knew where you are we could even suggest some local breeds but as you want to keep your location a secret we can't . You can put your location in your profile which makes a lot of posts easier to understand, you never know you may have a neighbour on here.

 

[Keepers]

Not shetlands

 

[Stewartry hill]

Belted x texel be proud and top the local market might be hard work tho

 

[TripleSix]

Get goats!
Don't need clipping, or get struck...
Much more interactive and intelligent than sheep.


If I was getting pet sheep they'd either be Zwartbles or border Leicesters...

 

[Hedgehugs]

Get goats!
Don't need clipping, or get struck...
Much more interactive and intelligent than sheep.


If I was getting pet sheep they'd either be Zwartbles or border Leicesters...

I'd like to get some diary goats in the future, but I'd rather stick to sheep for now

 

[Hedgehugs]

What does everyone think about Lincoln long Wool?

I'm not a complete novice with sheep, I'm confident dagging, turning, doing feet if required and drenching

 

[CopperBeech]

What does everyone think about Lincoln long Wool?

I'm not a complete novice with sheep, I'm confident dagging, turning, doing feet if required and drenching

I think it boils down to - if you're only having one or two, get whatever you fancy and like the look of, its hardly an issue, if they take lots of time, and are as productive as knitting snot.

For the record, lincoln long wools, fit into the above category!