Best Duel Purpose breed

[BlueMoonFarms]

I think you need to check out my sheep breed selector (link in my signature)

That is an awesome link, thank you!!!

 

[BlueMoonFarms]

I think you need to check out my sheep breed selector (link in my signature)

If I were looking for meat sheep I would definitely look at sheepgirls!

We are looking into sheep right now too, but we are looking for fiber sheep for my DD.

BMF- Are you looking for fiber, meat, or dual purpose. I too am looking on here for good input, sheep are new to me.

I care a great deal about Bio-Security and that is why I won't "rent" anything. We have bucks for our does, and if we ever decide to breed sheep I would get a ram. I don't think most people do it that way though. It isn't very cost effective to have a ram and just one ewe.

Were looking for Duel Purpose, I like the wool, and hubby wants the meat.
:/ well, then renting a ram is more cost efficient. We would have to be very choosy then as to who we go to. IF there not Bio-secure then as for vet papers and proof of health; would that be a better idea then?

 

[BlueMoonFarms]

What were you wanting to do with the wool? Tunis are duel purpose sheep! The wool is EXCELLENT for working with, and the meat is awesome, very mild flavoured! They are about medium sized sheep with the ewes being about 120-150lbs. Also very docile.
For getting them bred, you could always try AI. I have never done it, but there are a lot that do.

I enjoy hand spinning, and making things.
Tunis you say? I'll have to do some reading then

 

[Southern by choice]

Hey Blue moon!

we are looking at our first sheep too!
My DD wants to spin also, we went to a fiber production workshop last week. While there we saw lots of exhibitors fiber. We went to see some Jacob lambs yesterday. My DD likes their wool.

There are so many great fiber sheep! Makes it hard to pick something. We like the Jacobs because they are also on the ALBC list.
ALBC is American Livestock Breed Conservancy http://albc-usa.org/

We have quite a few of the heritage poultry breeds that we breed that are listed under the ALBC

BTW- Where are you on the little lamancha thread we lamancha people are excited that Crazy Cat and Chicken lady started. We lamancha, no ears goat people need to stick together!

http://www.backyardherds.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=23052

 

[BlueMoonFarms]

Hey Blue moon!

we are looking at our first sheep too!
My DD wants to spin also, we went to a fiber production workshop last week. While there we saw lots of exhibitors fiber. We went to see some Jacob lambs yesterday. My DD likes their wool.

There are so many great fiber sheep! Makes it hard to pick something. We like the Jacobs because they are also on the ALBC list.
ALBC is American Livestock Breed Conservancy http://albc-usa.org/

We have quite a few of the heritage poultry breeds that we breed that are listed under the ALBC

BTW- Where are you on the little lamancha thread we lamancha people are excited that Crazy Cat and Chicken lady started. We lamancha, no ears goat people need to stick together!

http://www.backyardherds.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=23052

Sweet!
We are actually leaning towards the Jacobs sheep also. I love the way they look!
I am not on the thread yet
I will make sure to join it!!

 

[Shelly May]

Suffolk and Hampshires are wool breeds with the biggest carcass for slaughtering, these breeds are in aboundance
as they are the most popular show sheep for 4-H. Might check them out also.

 

[Southern by choice]

I really like the Suffolks!

 

[BlueMoonFarms]

I found a Jacobs sheep breeder who actually got back to me So i think come spring we will be getting a ewe from them, and then I am actually looking at the Suffolk however i cant find a breeder of them in Massachusits...
I even searched the 4-H sites, but I guess that means I just have to keep looking!

 

[Straw Hat Kikos]

I found a Jacobs sheep breeder who actually got back to me So i think come spring we will be getting a ewe from them, and then I am actually looking at the Suffolk however i cant find a breeder of them in Massachusits...
I even searched the 4-H sites, but I guess that means I just have to keep looking!

Sounds like everyone is getting Jacobs. haha

 

[BrownSheep]

Suffolks are a great meat breed as are the Hampshires but their wool is pretty sucky.
I can feel the difference between our Suffolk and hamp crosses vs our Dorset and ramboulliets.
If you type club lambs into google I bet you can find a breeder in your area since most show lambs are Suffolk hamp crosses.
http://u-s-s-a.org/breeders.php. - list of breeders for every state.