Ouessant
This rare breed sheep comes from the isle of the same name just off the coast of Brittany. These tiny sheep are claimed to be the smallest sheep in the world standing 45-50cm at the shoulder. They are very hardy little sheep and have a thick fleece usually coloured black or caramel brown with a dense undercoat and can live outside in most conditions. Shelters should be provided for very wet, stormy or hot weather. The rams have large horns which curl forwards and turn out at the tips, the ewes are polled. Lambing is usually easy with singles produced in the springtime outdoors.The ouessant can be kept on a smaller acreage than other breeds due to its small size and as such is an ideal breed for small holders.
For Sale
Animals: ewes from £200, rams £150 and wethers
Fleece : raw whole fleece available for hand spinning from £4 per fleece
For Sale
Animals: ewes from £200, rams £150 and wethers
Fleece : raw whole fleece available for hand spinning from £4 per fleece
Ouessant male
Southdown
The Southdown breed is one of the oldest English sheep breeds originating from the South Down hIlls of Sussex. They are an extremely hardy dual purpose breed popular among smallholders. They are a docile and easy to handle breed with a fine dense wool 19-22 microns which is good for blending with other fibres. They are ideal for small holders for wool, companion animals, meat production or simply to keep the grass down. The ewes lamb easily and are good mothers often raising twins or triplets easily. Both sexes are polled and have a docile nature.
For sale
Animals: Ewes from £130 rams from £180
Fleece: Raw whole fleece suitable for hand spinning £4 per fleece
For sale
Animals: Ewes from £130 rams from £180
Fleece: Raw whole fleece suitable for hand spinning £4 per fleece
Southdown lamb 'Esme'
Herdwick
Herdwick ewe
The Herdwick is a breed of domestic hill sheep native to Cumbria. It is a hardy breed and believed that 90% are farmed in the lake district. The Herdwick is a dual purpose breed producing a strong distinct flavoured meat from slowly maturing lambs. The Herdwick fleece is coarse and the wool best suited to carpets. The lambs are born black and after a year and shearing they lighten to a grey colour. The rams are horned and the ewes are polled. This breed is resistant to disease and parasites such as ticks. They are a pleasure to keep again a docile breed that can be moved around the farm with a bucket of feed.
