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Shetland Sheep are
a British breed thought to have been brought to the Shetland
Islands of Scotland by Vikings over a thousand years ago.
For years they evolved in isolation in the harsh habitat of
these islands. Because of this natural selection, they are
a more diverse breed in appearance and traits. Many of their
primitive characteristics, such as their small size, long
life, easy lambing, and strong maternal instincts are still
evident in the breed today. |
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Purebred Shetland Sheep are small and
fine boned with most rams weighing about 125 lbs and ewes about
100 lbs. The ewes are usually hornless, and the rams can be either polled or horned. They are born with short, fluke shaped tails that
do not require docking. Shetlands tend to breed late in the
fall. First time mothers usually produce a single lamb but twins
are common in adult ewes. Their size as well as their calm and
friendly nature makes them easy to manage. They are very personable
and often wag their tails when scratched.
We began raising Shetlands in 2001. Our breeding program
strives to find a balance between conservation and improvements
while maintaining the primitive characteristics and genetic variations
of the breed. Selecting for physical soundness and
quality fine wool. |
Most of the original Shetlands in North America
were imported into Canada in the early 1980’s. After
five years in quarantine, offspring were brought into the
United States. Regulations now prohibit the importation of
any more Shetlands. The USDA has granted a temporary permit
to import semen from Britain. This is the only way available
to broaden the genetic base of the breed here in North America.
The health of our flock is very important to us. We worm twice each year
and rotate wormers every year as well as incorporate some natural deworming methods. Any sheep that we take out
of the flock to show are quarantined for two weeks when they
return. We are enrolled in the Scrapie Mandatory
Program #MN58.
Please contact us if
you are interested in more information about our Shetland
Sheep. We can provide photos, pedigrees and fleece samples. |
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Our farm is located in Prior Lake, MN. Just
minutes south of Minneapolis and St. Paul
Call Kim at 952-447-3511 or email kim AT kimberwood DOT com |
Beautiful Raw Fleece and Roving in a Variety
of Colors
Dedicated to keeping alive the arts of knitting,
weaving, and spinning.
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