Need help selecting sheep or goat breed

[key west chick]

I have Nigerian dwarf goaties. I love them! For the most part, they kid with little difficulties, are great little milkers if they come from milk lineage, are sweet and friendly, and are over all easy to keep. Theyre small size makes keeping them in a small area easy, and dry does and wethers really only need good grass hay. Mine eat Bermuda.

 

[carolinagirl58]

Quote:
Were your barbados born and raised with you from Day 1 or did you purchase them from someone?

The "pack leader" ewe was 3 when I got her earlier this year. I also purchased a 15 month old ewe (who is more of a follower) and four 3 month old lambs. The pack leader, Penny, was by far the worse. She has all of them so on edge all the time, and ready to flee at a split second notice. I am really hoping with her out of the main pasture, the rest of them will calm down.

 

[kuntrygirl]

Quote:
Were your barbados born and raised with you from Day 1 or did you purchase them from someone?

The "pack leader" ewe was 3 when I got her earlier this year. I also purchased a 15 month old ewe (who is more of a follower) and four 3 month old lambs. The pack leader, Penny, was by far the worse. She has all of them so on edge all the time, and ready to flee at a split second notice. I am really hoping with her out of the main pasture, the rest of them will calm down.

Good luck. I hope that they are able to calm down.

 

[awesomefowl]

If you don't care about wool products, Katahdins are an awesome meat breed. I love my two ewe lambs. They're big, but not too big to handle, and are very practical. Other than that, I have to say I love the miniature "cute" breeds; they just aren't super practical. Icelandics (meat and wool) or Shetlands are also said to be hardy breeds.

 

[Citron_d'uccle]

For dairy breeds I prefer I prefer East Friesian, Barbadoe, and Lacaune breed. We have kept these breeds for years and are very happy with them.

 

[Citron_d'uccle]

Also we keep Toggenburg, Saanen an Nubian goats. Also, all of the breeds I have mentioned are very docile. My 4 and 5 year olds are around them daily and my 2-year old neice loves petting them when she comes.

 

[countrygirlwannabe]

Although I am not in a position to have livestock yet, I have investigated many types of animals so that when I do get space I will be will prepared. I am a big fan of angora goats. I was looking for a breed that was resilient and productive. The breeder that I go and sheer with, they are sheared twice a year, sells his excess boys for meat if they don't sell as fiber producers. I have been around these goats several times and they are very friendly, the farmer has had very little problems with kidding, they are excellent moms, the only thing he has trouble with is fencing as they constantly look for somewhere to get out. I know I don't have experience, but I have been told that goats are generally more hardy than sheep. Good luck

 

[OnBorrowedWings]

Finally! Something on BYC I can help with!

I would highly recommend Shetland sheep for your situation. They have interactive, adorable personalities, lamb easily, come in fantastic colors, and have the cutest tiny lambs. If you care to, you can readily market their fleece. And, if you don't shear them, they still "roo" their fleece.
I placed all of my Shetlands last fall, or would have given you some to get you started...
Why didn't I keep my Shetlands if they're so great? 1) My fences are set up for horses and larger sheep, not itty bitty sheep, and 2) I have my sheep primarily for dog training, and the Shetlands don't flock as well as my Cluns. But the Clun Forest/Shetland crosses are fantastic!

Good luck and have fun stocking your farm,

Betty
Sharpsburg Maryland
No chickens yet
Just 4 horses, 14 sheep, 1 border collie, 1 Irish water spaniel hooligan, 3 Pyrenean shepherds, and a six pack of 5 week old Pyr Shep puppies (see puppy pics at www.madcap.name and YouTube videos at MadcapPyrSheps)

 

[birdboy15]

Jacob Sheep!!!!!!!!!!! lamb easily, very freindly, calm, smaller size, rams can be kept togeather with no problems, and WE NEED MORE BREEDERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! O, and they really dont need shelter in ohio, can keep 6 per acer.

 

[watchdogps]

I am really liking the icelandic, the jacob and the shetland so far. Birdboy - it sounds like you have jacobs. If so, please,elaborate and where are you? Pm me if you would be willing to share contact info etc. Thanks!