Shetland Sheep

This is the next breed in my series of sheep breeds on this blog.
Shetland sheep are a prolific and hardy breed that are easy to handle with high quality wool and flavoursome meat. Shetlands originally came from the Northern Short-tailed group. You can realistically expect  a prolificacy of 160% when lambing Shetland ewes and they are easy lambers and excellent mothers.
They are a primitive breed and are popular as conservation grazers as well as with smallholders or small farms. This is because they are easily handled, produce sweet meat and have an attractive appearance.
Because they have adapted to the harsh conditions of Shetland they are exceptionally hardy and can do well on a low level of nutrition.
Shetland ewes are generally polled (with no horns) however there are a few exceptions where you find a ewe has developed small horns. Rams can be either horned or polled and generally grow spiralled horns set apart from the head. Shetlands have small ears and a wide gap between the eyes, which joined with a long and narrow facial profile gives this breed distinct features.
The Shetland sheep has a short tail with a triangular shape; broad at the base and forming a point at the end. They have a wollen covering over most of the tail but hair is grown at the tip.
Shetland wool is the best of all native breeds because of the patterns and colours in the wool. The wool is popular among crafters and spinners because of the quality and colours.
Shetland ewes will also produce a good butcher's lamb when crossed with a terminal sire.
Have you had any experience with shetland sheep? Let me know in the comments below and ask any questions you have as well.
Also let me know what sheep you have or are interested in and I will try and feature them next time.
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