| Sheep In 2009 we decided to try keeping sheep. Well, I(Anna) was the only one who wanted Sheep, the rest of the Family wasn't too thrilled. We Keep Registered American Black Bellied Barbados(also known as just American black bellies/ABBs/American Barbados). They are a type of Hair sheep(no need for shearing, they shed out on their own) that is on the smaller side and are known for being a bit more high strung then other breeds, altho I find mine just too curious at times. Ours free range all over the Farm and come in at night on their own accord(well, they stand on my front porch yelling until I come out and then they run into their night pen waiting for dinner, I love my Sheep!). They are a very parasite and disease resistant breed, strong hooves and great foragers. They browse a lot and can get more out of shrub and wooded pastures then most breeds of sheep. A very prolific breed, twins and triplets are the norm and ewes can give birth up to twice a year with proper management. Their meat is lean and mild in flavour, like most hair sheep it lacks the strong mutton flavour that wool breeds have. So if you like lamb but don't enjoy the strong mutton smell/flavour, try an ABB. Over all a very low maintenance breed. Email for Lamb availability |
| Last but not least, we also own European Mouflons. Grandfather of all modern breeds of Sheep and very endangered in its native european range. One of the most colourful yet smallest of todays Wild Sheep, the rams sport a bright white saddle patch on their back which contrasts quite vividly with the black and dark brown mane and rump and pure white belly and lower legs when in their winter coat. During the summer they are mainly sandy brown with just a hint of the white saddle and dark neck. Mature Rams sport massive horns and their flighty nature make them a favorite for trophy hunters. I keep them mainly for their looks and the fact that breeders are few and far between in Canada. Such a beautiful Species should be represented a bit more in captivity. |
| Another breed I keep as well are Painted Desert Hairsheep, originally created by crossing Mouflons/ABBs with Rambouillet and various other breeds to make a more colourful sheep for trophy hunting. Then they were selectively bred to have that fully shedding coat and body build of the ABBs and Mouflons, and go by the same standard other then that their colour varies greatly. I was lucky enough to have acquired a ewe out of pure ABB breeding that has white colour faults, she throws 50% painted desert Lambs. I have kept back 1 of her daughters and her Son as well and hope to breed more of this fun looking breed. |
