The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Pocagranja on January 17, 2012, 11:50:25 am

Title: What Breed are our Sheep?
Post by: Pocagranja on January 17, 2012, 11:50:25 am
We acquired our sheep from a couple who were going back to the UK & wanted rid of them.  We do not know what breed they are (couple didn't know either) we have tried to see on the internet & have come to the conclusion they are a cross-breed.  All the sheep have a white fleece, different coloured legs & as you can see from the photo our recent addition is black, to our surprise!
Title: Re: What Breed are our Sheep?
Post by: lachlanandmarcus on January 17, 2012, 12:43:08 pm
That lamb is very sweet!!

They look like they have the characteristics of a couple of breeds there!

If I had to guess I would say a blackface mule (ears and roman nose long face from the blue faced leicester input to the mule, horns from the Blackie) crossed with something black/black and white like a Heb, Shetland or welsh black.

But really? very hard to tell! bet someone else will be better at this!
Title: Re: What Breed are our Sheep?
Post by: SingingShearer on January 17, 2012, 12:55:58 pm
Hi,

I am not sure but try putting Algarvian churra sheep in a google search, they are a spanish breed for milk and carpet wool.

Hope this helps,
Philip :sheep:
Title: Re: What Breed are our Sheep?
Post by: Sylvia on January 17, 2012, 01:11:12 pm
Whatever they are, they are vey lovely :)
Title: Re: What Breed are our Sheep?
Post by: Pocagranja on January 17, 2012, 01:32:15 pm
Thanks to everyone for the interest.  We have looked on Google for the Algarvian churra sheep & they are very similar to ours.  Ours have a shorter fleece but maybe they are a cross & not a pure breed?  It says that the milk is good for making cheese so I may have a go when the lambs are all weaned. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What Breed are our Sheep?
Post by: jaykay on January 17, 2012, 06:37:23 pm
Aren't they pretty  ;D Philip, I'm impressed  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What Breed are our Sheep?
Post by: Cinderhills on January 17, 2012, 06:50:05 pm
What a gorgeous lamb!
Title: Re: What Breed are our Sheep?
Post by: Rosemary on January 17, 2012, 09:12:36 pm
No idea but they are lovely, specially the lamb.