Buyer question
Are Shetland sheep good for beginners?
Yes: our Animal Library rates the Shetland sheep 4 out of 5 for beginners (good small flock).
Source: the Shetland sheep page in the Everybarn Animal Library. Shetland sheep in the Animal Library
The detail
Shetland sheep come from the Shetland Islands and are a small, hardy northern short-tailed breed. They have fine, soft fleece in many natural colors and are popular with hand spinners and small farms.
- Temperament
- Gentle, curious
- Best fit
- Spinners, small farms
- Docility
- 4 out of 5 (Gentle)
- Hardiness
- 5 out of 5 (Hardy, thrifty)
What to weigh
Shetlands grow slowly and are small, so they produce less meat. Rams are usually horned and can be pushy.