New to sheep

[purplequeenvt]

Craigslist is always a good starting point if you are looking for "just sheep". Once you've figure out what direction you want to go with your flock, then you can start looking through breed directories. Or try posting an ad on CL looking for a specific breed.

 

[Blue Sky]

Consider hair sheep if you're not interested in wool. They grow fleece in the winter then shed it in spring. Fleece is unspinnable but absorbs motor oil well, handy for the shade tree mechanics. They tend to be smaller, can be gentled and can come in a variety of colors. Breeds include American Blackbelly, Corsican, painted Desert, Desert Sand and numerous others. They lamb out of season, are good mothers and are quite tasty. There are many websites w more detailed information. Good luck!

 

[Baymule]

I found Dorpers a few towns away by doing a Google search for Dorpers in Texas.

Choose your breed and do a search in your state. Make some phone calls. Talk to some breeders, you might find just what you want, not too far away.

 

[MrsCedarstone]

ohiogoatgirl: Found some good stuff on that bestfarmbuys.com already
purplequeenvt: I was weary of craigslist but will see if I can find someone reputable on there.
bluesky: I do like those breeds you mentioned, I will check for those in my area also.
baymule: Our County fair is coming up in two weeks and I was hoping to see some of the breeds in person and maybe meet a few people who may be selling or knows someone who is nearby.

 

[ohiogoatgirl]

yup
and with CL and buying live animals... DONT be afraid to leave without the animal/any animal if its not what you really want or its not good conditions etc!

 

[MrsCedarstone]

Found 3 unregistered jacob ewes on craigslist. Two of them are 1 year old and one is 4 months old. Went to see them and they seem to be in good condition and had good dispositions. The lady is delivering them to me on Monday at no charge and has their vaccination information. They were just sheared and had their hooves clipped. She is also giving me the information to the breeder where she got them which is just down the road from me. I think this is a good start.

 

[Baymule]

Good for you! It does sound like a good start. Jacob sheep look so cool.

 

[Roving Jacobs]

I love my jacobs! Not everyone enjoys their personalities but I like how sassy they can be. You just have to learn to work with their quirks

Even if you don't have a pedigree or anything you can get them registered through photo inspection with JSBA if you ever want to. There's a Jacob Sheep Information facebook page full of helpful people too if you're a facebook person.

 

[MrsCedarstone]

Thanks, roving jacobs. I was wondering if there was some way to register them or their offspring. I do use facebook, I'll look into that.

 

[MrsCedarstone]

Here they are! A little nervous but settling in well.