What breed should I go for?

[dudley]

Hi, Can anyone advise on Marino sheep. We are in the UK; we have not had sheep on our holding for some 10 years. But as we are now becoming more self-sufficient we wish to include half a dozen sheep. My wife would spin the wool as she as an avid knitter and so want to choose the right breed. I also have to concern myself about the type of ground, we are on clay soil so our heavier livestock is housed undercover for the worst months, so how hardy are marino’s etc? Thank you. Steve.

[PeterNZ]

Hi Steve,

I am probably not much help since I live in New Zealand. But here we only farm Merinos on the south island because they need a dry climate. So I am not sure if they are a good breed for UK conditions.

Have you thought about Gotland Sheep? Their behaviour is a bit like goats and they have wonderful wool.

I guess you will get better advise from local folk, too!

Cheers

Peter

[ina]

Merinos aren't great for the UK - you are right. Saying that, a friend of mine breeds them just down the road... They need a lot of looking after, definitely no lambing outside, prone to exoparasites, difficult to shear (my friend gets a couple of Aussies every year to do them).

Have you thought about Shetlands? They are very fine wool, too - lovely for knitting, and very hardy. Or you could try and find Bowmonts; they are a relatively new breed, developed from Shetlands and Merinos, so even finer wool than Shetland, and a bit hardier than Merinos.

[red]

do you have a preference for colour? makes a big difference.. as to what you choose!
good idea to have a look at what breeds are doing well in your area, these might be the best suited to your conditions

I went for a local breed, and went and saw some locally etc.

[Esther.R]

Shetlands have lovely wool as ina says and are very hardy. Make sure your fences are good though They can be wild little creatures but tough as old boots and very good wool. Lovely natural colourings as well.

[red]

they do say the older breeds are more escapologists.

[dudley]

Well I am so glad that I stumbled across this site and forum.

Thank you all for your help. I have noted your comments and doubt that the Merrino is the best breed for us. The Romney and Sussex is common around here, in fact we have owned a small flock of Xbred's here before but Jane would like to produce a yarn that is a bit different. So the Gotland does look to be an idea.
We already have goats (British Saanan's) for milk and meat, We are due to kid at the end of the month, so maybe we should think about Angora goats and produce mohair !!!!
We will keep looking at all the pros and cons.
So thank you for your help.
Steve.

[PeterNZ]

If you need information about Angora Goats (again: I am in New Zealand) let me know. We breed Angora goats organically and we just bought 6 black Angoras! Or better: My wife bought them! We also have around 20 white ones and are in the process to move to a bigger farm to increase our Angora flock!

All the best for your decision!

Cheers

Peter

[ina]

We already have goats (British Saanan's) for milk and meat, We are due to kid at the end of the month, so maybe we should think about Angora goats and produce mohair !!!!

I have a couple of cashmere goats - due for combing soon... Incredibly soft fibre.

[red]

oo Ina - do yo process their wool (? is it wool or fur?) yourself?