The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Community => Introduce yourself => Topic started by: needlesboots and whistles on July 30, 2021, 03:57:00 pm

Title: shepherd dreams coming true
Post by: needlesboots and whistles on July 30, 2021, 03:57:00 pm: I am getting very close to a childhood dream of being a shepherd coming true. I am new here and hoping to start a small flock of 4 primitive sheep in mid September. I have land, with water and grass and natural shelter. I need to build a proper shelter and think about winter hay needs.I also need to find a sheep buddy in my area to check my sheep if I am away. It would be lovely to find someone who would use my help in return. I am currently working on finding transport to bring my 4 sheep from the Dundee area to my site in Easter Ross. My sheep will be pets, lawnmovers and providers of wool only. I do not intend to breed or eat any sheep.
Title: Re: shepherd dreams coming true
Post by: SallyintNorth on August 02, 2021, 08:44:44 pm: Welcome, and I hope someone nearby takes you up on that!

Have you chosen your breed yet, or do you not mind so long as they are primitive?

You say "for wool" - are you a crafter? :knit: :spin: (no emotiwotsits for looms or crochet, I'm afraid. And what could we do for felt... :thinking:)
Title: Re: shepherd dreams coming true
Post by: Rosemary on August 03, 2021, 08:52:36 am: Hello and welcome to TAS :wave:
Title: Re: shepherd dreams coming true
Post by: needlesboots and whistles on August 05, 2021, 11:57:47 pm: I have Ouessant sheep in mind. Thank you for the welcome.

:knit:
Title: Re: shepherd dreams coming true
Post by: Lesley Silvester on September 07, 2021, 11:19:05 pm: Hi and welcome to the forum from sunny Shropshire. If you are not a crafter yourself, you may be able to sell the fleeces to local spinners and felters. Generally speaking, fleeces aren't worth much but being a primitive breed makes them more appealing to spinners. If you''re not already a member of Ravelry, an on line forum for anything woolie, I would recommend joining and looking for a market among the spinning groups. Most of the groups are American but there are a number for the UK.
Title: Re: shepherd dreams coming true
Post by: Fleecewife on September 08, 2021, 01:39:01 pm: Quote from: SallyintNorth on August 02, 2021, 08:44:44 pm

You say "for wool" - are you a crafter? :knit: :spin: (no emotiwotsits for looms or crochet, I'm afraid. And what could we do for felt... :thinking: )

:notworthy: :yippee: perhaps?

Hello needlesboots and whistles and welcome to the native sheep and crafty bit of TAS. I keep Hebrideans and Soay (plus one Shetland wether) in the south of Scotland, and I spin and knit. Best of luck with setting up your sheep.