How many are currently raising hair breeds of sheep?

[TexasShepherdess]

How many are utilizing these breeds? I have dorpers..afew of my ewes are percentage dorper crossed with Kat's.

Why did you choose them? Parasite resistance, heat resistance, non seasonal lambings//plus I just liked the way they looked..stocky,meaty animals!

What are you using them for(lawn mowers, meat production, etc)? intially stockdog work..then I went sheep crazy and now raise them. have my fullblood ram and 7 ewes.

How long have you been raising them? Had sheep for about 2 years now..did not start "Raising" them really til I got my ram, which was alittle over a year ago.

What are your results(as compared to maybe other types you've raised)? These are my first sheep..I've had goats before..hated them..little destructive beings. I am looking forward to my son showing his ewe at the county 4-h show next week. They actually offer hair classes at our show, last year a dorper was res. champion market lamb..they seem to be gaining in popularity.

If not currently raising them: How many are curious about hair sheep?

 

[Hillsvale]

Also keep and tan the hides.

What is your process for tanning the hides?

 

[Beekissed]

These are my first sheep..I've had goats before..hated them..little destructive beings. I am looking forward to my son showing his ewe at the county 4-h show next week. They actually offer hair classes at our show, last year a dorper was res. champion market lamb..they seem to be gaining in popularity.

You got that right! I don't particularly care for goats either and get more firm in that every time I read a thread on here about how many diseases, parasites, nutritional deficiencies and birthing problems they have. You couldn't GIVE me a goat.

The Dorper winning reserve champion is great news! I'm so glad that some areas are catching the hair sheep vibe and incorporating them into agricultural and 4-H type shows, as they do seem to be more popular at this time.

 

[EllieMay]

. . . The Dorper winning reserve champion is great news! I'm so glad that some areas are catching the hair sheep vibe and incorporating them into agricultural and 4-H type shows, as they do seem to be more popular at this time.

x2

 

[TexasShepherdess]

These are my first sheep..I've had goats before..hated them..little destructive beings. I am looking forward to my son showing his ewe at the county 4-h show next week. They actually offer hair classes at our show, last year a dorper was res. champion market lamb..they seem to be gaining in popularity.

You got that right! I don't particularly care for goats either and get more firm in that every time I read a thread on here about how many diseases, parasites, nutritional deficiencies and birthing problems they have. You couldn't GIVE me a goat.

The Dorper winning reserve champion is great news! I'm so glad that some areas are catching the hair sheep vibe and incorporating them into agricultural and 4-H type shows, as they do seem to be more popular at this time.

You know whats funny..so many people told me sheep are "looking for a place to die"..I havent seen that personally..they are quite hardy and easy to care for..I hate to be crass..but I wouldnt take a free goat after having my sheep..LOL

It is good hairs are getting some recoginition at our shows..they are very popular down here with our heat in the summer. I am excited to see what the ewe lamb does in the breeding sheep class next week.

 

[Beekissed]

I feel the same way and everyone told me the same thing....but then, everyone who told me that were raising woolly breeds and graining their lambs to get them market ready.

I'd say that might be true if not raising something as easy as these hair breeds. They thrive on grass and hay, require little intervention, seem disease and parasite resistant...this makes them easy in my book.

Of course, I might have a different story to tell if I was raising sheep in volume and for many years...but I doubt it. Most of the hair breeder sites report the same good results, particularly if raising these sheep on grass instead of grain based feeds.

 

[boothcreek]

Also keep and tan the hides.

What is your process for tanning the hides?

Take them to work with me(taxidermist) and send them in with the deer, elk, bear etc furs to the tannery. Tried tanning myself and dry tanning is a pain to do and my shoulders can't handle the workout.
Get the medical grade tan, white leather and safe to use for children etc makes for a nice shiny fur.

 

[Hillsvale]

Also keep and tan the hides.

What is your process for tanning the hides?

Take them to work with me(taxidermist) and send them in with the deer, elk, bear etc furs to the tannery. Tried tanning myself and dry tanning is a pain to do and my shoulders can't handle the workout.
Get the medical grade tan, white leather and safe to use for children etc makes for a nice shiny fur.

cheater ...

I have all the gear but like you don't have the strength to manage the stripping... left them out for the birds who did a great job and have the chemicals to do the washing etc but dont want to send them into the yard....

 

[TexasShepherdess]

I feel the same way and everyone told me the same thing....but then, everyone who told me that were raising woolly breeds and graining their lambs to get them market ready.

I'd say that might be true if not raising something as easy as these hair breeds. They thrive on grass and hay, require little intervention, seem disease and parasite resistant...this makes them easy in my book.

Of course, I might have a different story to tell if I was raising sheep in volume and for many years...but I doubt it. Most of the hair breeder sites report the same good results, particularly if raising these sheep on grass instead of grain based feeds.

Yep..I honestly have not had a more easy to maintain animal then my sheep.

I am also impressed with their toughness..a bobcat attacked my flock this past summer..got my son's original market wether..and tore my ram up pretty bad. He was not in good shape..and is abit of a jackwad..but he allowed me to doctor him..no fight..for about a month. He suffered no permanent issues from his attack either.

This is what I like to see..a good looking, stocky lamb.

 

[Beekissed]

That is a beautiful lamb....I love the markings!