Mini Cheviots in California! Anyone else have them?

BHOBCFarms

Exploring the pasture
Joined
Apr 5, 2013
Messages
93
Reaction score
1
Points
19
Location
San Diego
Hi, I have a small flock of Black and dillute Miniature Cheviots. I am located in southern California. Anyone else raise them? I was hoping to connect with other breeders.
 

alsea1

True BYH Addict
Joined
Dec 15, 2012
Messages
1,709
Reaction score
502
Points
243
Location
Alsea, Oregon
Is this a milk sheep? I would love to see what these sheep look like
 

SheepGirl

Master of Sheep
Golden Herd Member
Joined
Jul 15, 2011
Messages
3,625
Reaction score
909
Points
343
Location
Frederick, Maryland
No, they are a miniature version of a meat breed. Here's what the regular cheviot looks like:

spring-lambs-2012-004.jpg


And a miniature cheviot:

2012lambsales%20042.jpg
 

alsea1

True BYH Addict
Joined
Dec 15, 2012
Messages
1,709
Reaction score
502
Points
243
Location
Alsea, Oregon
LOL. Neat looking.
It looks like the sheep is stuck in huge puffy pillow with head and legs sticking out.
 

BHOBCFarms

Exploring the pasture
Joined
Apr 5, 2013
Messages
93
Reaction score
1
Points
19
Location
San Diego
Actually, although they are called "miniature", that's a bit of a misnomer, because they are actually the descendents of the ancient and unimproved Border Cheviot/Cheviot Hills sheep of English/Scottish border country. The sheep commonly known as "regular" or "standard" Cheviots, are in fact a modern breed developed from the ancient heritage Cheviots. Miniature American Cheviots are not technically miniatures, but the old unimproved variety of Cheviot. They are long bodied, but short in leg. They have a little bit nicer wool that's good for handspinning, and come in Black, Dilute Blacks (Browns, fawns, greys, etc.) and Paint (Black and white spotted) and of course, white. They are excellent mothers, and milky for their size. They have been described as the "perfect homestead sheep" because they require less space and eat less than their larger cousins, and they are good mothers, are easy to handle, and provide wool for spinning as well as lamb/mutton. Here are some pictures of my sheep:

8822_img_1230.jpg


Front: Dillute Ewe
Center (cut off) Dillute (Chocolate) Ram
Back: Black Ewe

They are around 20 to 22 inches tall, and I can pick them up and carry them, and I am not a strong lady. I think they are probably around 60 pounds - I am going to buy a weigh scale so I can know thier real weights though.
 

Bridgemoof

Overrun with beasties
Joined
Jan 21, 2012
Messages
1,840
Reaction score
3
Points
96
Location
Middleburg, VA
Beautiful sheep, I love the breed. I want to just sink my fingers into that wool! :D
 

BHOBCFarms

Exploring the pasture
Joined
Apr 5, 2013
Messages
93
Reaction score
1
Points
19
Location
San Diego
Even people who are not in my state, I would love to get to know you! These sheep are great for handspinning, and are actually dual purpose (wool/meat). I will also be selling some lambs every spring.
 

CakePrincess12

Herd lurker
Joined
Dec 7, 2017
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Points
1
I know this is old thread. Do any of you sell cheviot sheep in San Diego?
 
Top