Shetland Sheep Questions

[m_herrington]

I am a spinner. I am interested in getting shetland sheep for wool.

Does anyone have any experience with shetlands?
Do you know if it is possible to milk them or worth the effort?

 

[NewHopePoultry]

Shetland sheep are very hardy, good mothers, easy lambers and produce plenty of milk.They have exceptional wool quality and hardiness. They are a great breed to own

 

[m_herrington]

From everything I have read about them after seeing them for the first time at the great lakes fiber festival, I am really excited about the possibility of buying some next spring.

I really don't think I've heard anything negative about them.

Have you ever milked them? I am really curious about the possibilities... It would be a nice bonus to go with the wonderful fleeces if I could also milk them and learn to make cheese. I know that sheeps milk is supposed to be great for cheese, but could you also use it for butter, ice cream, yogurt etc??

Thanks!

 

[NewHopePoultry]

I milked the ones I had,but I always used the milk for the animals I was fostering at the time, never for peolpe use, so I wont be much help there,sorry.

 

[m_herrington]

bump

 

[seymojo536]

m_herrington
Where are you located? If you are ever going by Marysville, OH stop in and pay a visit. We have a flock of 30 and would be happy to share our experiences with you. Besides, they're just fun to play with.

 

[walkswithdog]

Size/WT of shetland sheep? Not a fiber person but we're looking at sheep for the primary fenced area. No goats near my baby orchard.

 

[seymojo536]

Ewes will range from 70 -100 lbs. Rams 100 - 125 lbs. Maybe 30 inches tall at the shoulder.
Here's a link to the association's website:
http://www.shetland-sheep.org/about_shetlands.htm

Be warned if you have young trees, they will go after them. Ours seem to eat the weeds first, then the clover/alfalfa, don't care too much for straight grass.