Hello from Scotland!!

[Girlies' Mum]

Hi all, As Latestarter has observed, I have been lurking for rather a long time and I am sorry. I'm not usually silent, but I have been completely overwhelmed and fascinated by the sheepie world many of you (I think) live in in the USA. Katahdin, Dorper, Nigerian Dwarfs and assorted other breeds I don't think I've heard of - and sheep without wool? NO!! Never seen one! Wild predators like coyotes?? Surely not! Seriously I have learnt so much, thank you.
However, somthing was posted I felt on firmer ground with, so I replied, and here I am, fresh from the East coast of Scotland. I have 4 pet sheep, 2 rescued as lambs from the sheep hill farm my land is in the middle of and 2 little Shetlands who were so friendly their owners wanted them to go to a "pet" atmosphere when they were selling them. I have had sheep for about 5 years now and try to learn all I can about them. I help with the lambing (about 2000 sheep) on the neighbouring farm, where my favourite job is (apart from actual lambing) looking after the ewes in the "maternity ward". I adore my own wooly (yes, definitely wooly, not hairy) family, Blackberry, the boss, Snowdrop (her sidekick) and the 2 wee ones - Millie and Woody.
Looking forward to learning more about other sheep and maybe exchanging information. Thank you so much for having me along.

 

[High Desert Cowboy]

Hello and welcome from Utah! I look forward to your sheep contributions and I’ll no doubt need them when I finally get some of my own. I can’t say I’ve ever seen a Shetland sheep but I imagine they’re small like everything else with Shetland in the name.

 

[Latestarter]

Great to have you with us (finally) @Girlies' Mum We've had or have Sheeple, goat folks, and all manner of livestock lovers here with us from all over the world. I can recall Africa, Australia, South America, Central America, England, Wales, Europe, Tailand, New Zeland... I mean it's awesome!

 

[Girlies' Mum]

Wow, so many different countries to learn about, I find the differences so interesting. Thank you. A friend sent me a picture of a sheep in the deep Amazon jungle belonging to a tribe there! This is just the forum to ask if anyone knows what breed - nothing we have in Scotland, that's for sure. I am surprised she has so much wool.

 

[newton the goat]

Welcome from canada! I have katahdins lol and i agree thats its kinda strange seeing sheep that have hair instead of wool though honestly its easier (for me at least s ij nce im still in school). Welcome to BYH and i hope you enjoy meeting all the sheeple and other livestock enthusiasts here! I know i did!

 

[Pastor Dave]

Welcome from Indiana, USA
I have no sheep, but glad you joined in all the same.

 

[Girlies' Mum]

Hello and welcome from Utah! I look forward to your sheep contributions and I’ll no doubt need them when I finally get some of my own. I can’t say I’ve ever seen a Shetland sheep but I imagine they’re small like everything else with Shetland in the name.

Yes - They are tiny, very hardy, very active, enjoy poor quality grass and foraging and come in many colours - mine are about 60-70lbs, fully grown. This is them meeting the big girls for the first time! Mine are also very friendly. Thank you for the welcome!

 

[Latestarter]

Holy crimeny! Look at that size difference! The Shetlands are like 1/2 the size or even smaller! I had no idea the difference was that great.

 

[cedarhillfiberfarm]

Welcome from Kentucky, USA!

It is interesting how different parts of the world have different breeds for different climates. I think the U.S. lacks some of the lovely heritage breeds you have in Scotland, although we do have lots of Shetlands.

 

[Baymule]

Welcome from Texas! We have hair sheep. Glad you decided to join the party. We'd love to hear more about your sheep adventures.