[Drumnagair]

We are going to be moving to a smallholding and as well as my ponies I would like a small flock of sheep. Multiple reasons really; mainly as we will have too much grass for the ponies but also I would love to raise some pet lambs (& keep them for pets) I would also have an interest in possibly a rare breed and doing some local shows. Also would like to have a couple to raise for the freezer.
Any recommendations and where to start looking in Aberdeenshire area? Perhaps I’m looking for too many things for one breed? Whatever we choose has to be an easy breed for a first timer and have a placid temperament as we have a young family and would like a friendly flock that we can handle.

[moony]

As far as sheep for beginners go, I have found Hebrideans the most forgiving. They can still get all the problems other sheep do, but they are a lot less prone than most. They are also second to none for tidying up pony paddocks and taste rather nice, although take longer to mature than more commercial breeds. There are many more docile breeds, although ours are easy to get a a pen with a bucket, will feed out of our hands, and are small enough to handle. I also like them as they are quick enough to get out of the way of our ponies if need be. Pet lamb wise, its more likely you would have to get commercial breeds, as most people that have the less commercial types do it on a hobby basis and keep the pet lambs themselves.

[BALLOCH]

Hi.I can recommened Black Welsh mountains,We have kept them for 7 years now,They are very friendly sheep, all ours eat out of our hands which makes them a pleasure to keep.They are very hardy sheep coming from the welsh mountains, eat weeds and we have never had a case of fly blowsrike.They also taste good and are ready to slaughter about 9 months on good grass.We are in Aberdeenshire and there is now 4 flocks here and I am sure any one of us would help you get started with them and offer advice when needed,they also have a very good website.

[Rosemary]

Everyone is going to recommend their own favourite I guess - so I'll recomment the Ryeland or Coloured Ryeland depending on whether you like your sheep white or various shades of brown.

Docile, non-escapologist, lambs finished at 7 months or so so in the first year, lovely meat, good fleece. And very pretty IMHO. There are photos in the Gallery above.

[mowhaugh]

I am not sure how young your children are, but my boys are 4 and 2 and have Shetland sheep, and they are brill.  The only box they wouldn't tick on your list is the 'rare' one.  But, as Rosemary said, there are lots of options, so go for something you like the look of too.

[Drumnagair]

I am not sure how young your children are, but my boys are 4 and 2 and have Shetland sheep, and they are brill.  The only box they wouldn't tick on your list is the 'rare' one.  But, as Rosemary said, there are lots of options, so go for something you like the look of too.

thanks everyone, a few for me to google!

Mowhaugh, we know each other from highland pony talk My wee one is a similar age to your youngest. You wouldnt recommend the Kerrys then? They are v pretty 

[waterbuffalofarmer]

I would recommend lleyn or zwartbles, very easy to handle, not exactly rare, but their temperaments are good,  good milky ewes which produce strong healthy lambs. their meat is good too.

[clydesdaleclopper]

We have Gotland x Shetland sheep and they are naturally very docile and tame. They aren't too big and my wee ones (now 4 and 7) play with them in the fields. The meat is lovely and there is the added bonus of fabulous fleeces which hand spinners love.


Whereabouts in Aberdeenshire are you?

[Drumnagair]

thank you we are currently in the south but moving and not sure where yet although will be within commuting distance of Aberdeen and highly likely north/west of the city.

[clydesdaleclopper]

Ooh - you might end up over towards our way then (Huntly) 


My friend is selling a fabulous property with 23 acres near Gartly 

[Drumnagair]

Ooh - you might end up over towards our way then (Huntly) 


My friend is selling a fabulous property with 23 acres near Gartly 

haha is that deveron way by any chance?

[Fleecewife]

I'm another voter for Shetlands in your circumstances, although the main breed I keep is Hebrideans.

Coloured Shetlands are rarer than the whites, and tend to be a bit more 'primitive' somehow.  They are small, very cute, soft a cuddly  , small enough for a large child to handle, plenty of classes for them in local shows for an interest for the children, the males can be eaten with relish, are sometimes ready for slaughter at 7-9 months, but more likely 16 months.  The fleece is an easy to spin type, but with plenty of interest in the coloureds - just spinning white fleece can pall after a couple of years.  They tend to be hardy, good feet in the coloureds, good easy lambers and milkers.

I should emphasise two things:  never keep your ram lambs entire (ie always castrate them in the first 7 days of life), if you are intending to keep them beyond a year, with children about.

If ultimately you don't like the breed, sheep are all tasty so you can put them in the freezer and try something else, so this doesn't need to be a breed for life..

[mowhaugh]

I am not sure how young your children are, but my boys are 4 and 2 and have Shetland sheep, and they are brill.  The only box they wouldn't tick on your list is the 'rare' one.  But, as Rosemary said, there are lots of options, so go for something you like the look of too.

thanks everyone, a few for me to google!

Mowhaugh, we know each other from highland pony talk My wee one is a similar age to your youngest. You wouldnt recommend the Kerrys then? They are v pretty 

Hmm, now I need to work out who you are!

To be honest, although I adore my Kerrys, I would not recommend them as first sheep, and I am also wary of taking the children near them, and definitely don't at lambing time.  Even the well handled ones that I show are still pretty bonkers.  Although other people do seem to have quieter ones than me, I expect they are handled very regularly.

[Bramblecot]

Shetlands - exactly as FW commented

[mowhaugh]

Know who you are now!  I still think shetlands.