Buyer question
Are Merino sheep good for beginners?
Usually not: our Animal Library rates the Merino sheep 2 out of 5 for beginners (fleece work adds up).
Source: the Merino sheep page in the Everybarn Animal Library. Merino sheep in the Animal Library
The detail
Merinos were developed in Spain and are the most famous fine-wool breed in the world. Their soft, fine fleece is prized by spinners and the apparel trade, so they are kept mostly for wool rather than meat.
- Temperament
- Calm, flocking
- Best fit
- Fiber flocks, spinners
- Docility
- 4 out of 5 (Strong flock instinct)
- Hardiness
- 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
What to weigh
Heavy fleeces need yearly shearing and careful management to prevent flystrike. Wrinkly lines are harder to shear.