LOTS of questions about SHEEP!!

[Kathryn4629]

Ok so I have decided after weeks of research that sheep would be a good fit for me. I have 10 acres of very lush grass. All of it is wire mesh fenced and is flat. Water and shelter readily available. This acreage is separate from what I am using for my other livestock.

Am currently debating between a few different breeds. I am going to go with pure bred registered stock. I would like to be able to sell directly to other breeders and of course sell market lambs (yum!) I know I am in no way going to get rich doing this, but would like ot come close to breaking even. I have spent time working with sheep in the past, mostly helping move herds up to summer pasture for the summer in Montana. I do realize how stupid they are

at least compared to cattle. I also have horses, a few cows and a steer currently.

The breeds I am debating on are:
Dorset
Polypay
Finnsheep
California Red

The qualities I am looking for are
Multiple Births
good foragers
good growth rate on grass
Resistance to parasites

I would love to hear from some sheep people! Do you have any experience with these breeds, good, bad? Other advice/ breed recommendations very welcome!!! Thank you!!

 

[Okla-doodle-doo]

How about Shetlands or Icelandics! They are half pint size so you could have twice as many. I am sure there is a good market out there for good pure breeding stock of these varietys!

 

[Kathryn4629]

Quote:
Icelandic's were on my list until I realized that they are not as prolific as some of the other breeds. I will look into them again, because I love that they have beautiful wool.

 

[ranchhand]

You can get even more advice on the BYC sister site, www.backyardherds.com

Same owner, same setup but geared more closely to your questions.

 

[Kathryn4629]

Quote:
I actually just signed up for the forum last night! lol I have already got some great answers to

I was super excited that it is in the same format as this forum, easy to make the transition.

Thanks for the tip!!

 

[boykin2010]

If you dont care about the wool get hair sheep. They are great mothers and have multiple births. Most breeds are also extra parasite resistant. Most breeds are also raised for meat so they are good foragers and grow quickly. I would definately look into them. They seem to fit you just right. I raise Katahdins and Barbado sheep. ALL are good growers on grass and parasite resistant

 

[jtr]

if you want to sell like 4-h lambs get suffolk ewes and a hampshire ram i would know i do 4-h market lambs

 

[Beekissed]

I wrote you a reply on BYHs....I'm cheering for either Katahdins or Royal Whites as the perfect breeds that have the characteristics you like. I have no personal experience with the Royal Whites but they seem to be in growing demand. I can't say enough about the Katahdins, though.