This is the start of my new series on sheep breeds. I will be posting a new breed each time and discussing the characteristics and history of these breeds. Please comment with any questions you may have and share your own experience of the breed or anything related to them.
Lets begin with the Hebridean sheep. The Hebridean was nearly replaced in the UK by breeds like the blackface and became extremely rare but has recently become fairly popular and started to become widespread again.
It is thought that the Hebridean has descended from the multihorned Viking sheep and has retained the multihorned feature of the Viking breed.
The Hebridean is a primitive sheep breed and is lean and fineboned meaning they are an overall small sheep. Both ewes and rams are horned and it is common for them to have two horns, and less common, but not unknown for them to have four or six horns.
The Hebridean sheep are extremely hardy and are able to deal well with wet and cold conditions. They will eat most types of vegetation which makes them an increasingly popular choice for conservation grazing.
They produce good meat as young lambs but are more popular eaten as mutton as they produce a bigger carcase at a more mature age. The attractive black fleece is also a popular wool choice both commercially and among crafters.
Please ask any questions below and share your own experience or knowledge of the extremely interesting Hebridean sheep breed.
Keep watching my blog to find out about lots more sheep breeds. Also comment with any breeds you would like me to cover and I will do my best :)
