Sheepy Hollow Farm & Studio ~ Wooly Tyme Shetlands

~:~:~ Wooly Tyme Shetlands ~:~:~

 

Shetlands are the smallest member of the short-tailed group of sheep related to the Romanov, Finnsheep & Icelandic sheep. They were probably brought to the Shetland Islands by Viking settlers over 1000 years ago. Like other “primitive” breeds, Shetlands have maintained the characteristics that allowed the breed to thrive in a wide variety of conditions. Their small size, slower growth rate and the ability to sustain themselves on a meager diet have allowed them to thrive where more “improved” breeds may not.

Shetland rams are horned and usually weigh in at 90-125 lbs. Shetland ewes are typically polled and weigh an average of 75-100 lbs. They are fine boned and have a short fluke-shaped tail which requires no docking. Though they are small, they produce a fine, light flavored meat.

Shetlands are the most colorful of all breeds having 11 main colors (black, shades of gray, browns & whites). Varying from a more primitive dual-coat to a single coat that is fine and crimpy, Shetland is a multi-purpose wool. Traditionally used to make warm rugged fabrics, including Fair Isle knitwear & woven tweeds. Famed handspun Shetland lace yarns are made from selected finer/softer neck wool. The average fleece is 2-4 lbs. with a 4-inch average staple length and fiber diameter of 30-23 microns. Spinners find it easy to spin from its open locks either washed or ‘in the grease’ as Shetlands do not produce as much lanolin as some other fine wool breeds.

Shetlands are often very docile and friendly sheep, being known for ‘wagging’ their tails when petted. Though they are quick and agile, they are easily managed. They are hardy, easy lambers (often producing twins) with plenty of milk and a strong mothering instinct.

We encourage you to visit our farm and see what easy-keepers our Shetland sheep can be and consider adding them to your flock!

Our Sheep & Dairy Goats

    My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow me.

                 John 10:27

Email: info@sheepyhollowherbs.com

Member  North American Shetland Sheepbreeders Association

(NASSA)

 

Other Farmstead Residents ~ Our farm is also home to a variety of two dozen (more or less) chickens who have the luxury of free-range to keep our pastures pest-free while maintaining a healthy diet. They provide us with a bounty of large, farm-fresh eggs.

~:~:~ We hope you’ll visit us soon! ~:~:~

 

~:~:~ DAIRY GOATS AT SHEEPY HOLLOW ~:~:~

 

The usefulness of dairy goats was recognized long before recorded history and are mentioned several times in the Bible. They were carried on sailing ships as a source of fresh milk by early explorers, including Columbus.

Today, more than half the world’s population drinks goat milk! Due to our ever-increasing awareness of health and nutrition and our desire to enjoy more home-grown foods, the popularity of dairy goats is growing!

There are seven officially recognized breeds of dairy goats - Alpine, Oberhasli, Toggenburg, Saanen (referred to as the Swiss breeds), LaMancha, Nigerian Dwarf, and Nubian. At Sheepy Hollow, we raise Alpine and Oberhasli dairy goats which both originated in the Swiss Alps. They have straight or slightly concave faces, upright ears, and an alert deer-like appearance. Alpines may be a variety of colors and Obes are shades of bay trimmed in black.

Goats are normally friendly animals and thrive on attention. Dairy goats are typically dehorned soon after birth (called disbudding).

Goat milk is similar to cow’s milk but also contains many different types of protein than cow’s milk. Some people who find they cannot tolerate cow’s milk may not trigger a reaction to goat milk. Also, goat milk has smaller fat molecules and a softer curd, making it easier to digest and is naturally homogenized.

Generally, a good milking doe may produce a gallon of milk a day from just after freshening to about six months and then taper down to several quarts by the tenth month. Our girls are hand-milked twice a day, normally every twelve hours. They provide us with fresh milk to drink, make yogurt, a variety of soft cheeses and enough surplus milk to create our hand-crafted goat’s milk soap. 

No doubt about it, I adore my dairy goats - they have wonderful personalities, provide delicious milk and are a pleasure to raise!

Please inquire further if you are interested in purchasing dairy goats for your farm!

Member American Dairy Goat Association

(ADGA)

 

Spring 2009

Lambs & Dairy Goat Kids           For Sale

Call for availability.

Sheepy Hollow Farm

By purchasing our Fiber, you are supporting a small family farm, receiving a high quality product from all natural fiber and promoting the fiber arts. Thank You!