Buyer question
Are Katahdin sheep good for beginners?
Yes: our Animal Library rates the Katahdin sheep 5 out of 5 for beginners (top beginner sheep).
Source: the Katahdin sheep page in the Everybarn Animal Library. Katahdin sheep in the Animal Library
The detail
Katahdins were developed in Maine in the 1950s as a hair sheep that sheds instead of needing shearing. They are hardy, parasite tolerant and easy lambing, which makes them one of the most popular breeds for new shepherds.
- Temperament
- Calm, alert
- Best fit
- First flocks, pasture
- Docility
- 4 out of 5 (Calm, manageable)
- Hardiness
- 5 out of 5 (Parasite tolerant)
What to weigh
Katahdins are leaner and lighter-muscled than Suffolks or Dorpers. Parasite tolerance still needs management in wet climates.