Buyer question
Are Southdown sheep good for beginners?
Yes: our Animal Library rates the Southdown sheep 4 out of 5 for beginners (good small flock).
Source: the Southdown sheep page in the Everybarn Animal Library. Southdown sheep in the Animal Library
The detail
Southdowns come from the South Downs of Sussex, England, and are one of the oldest British meat breeds. They are medium sized, compact and gentle, with a thick, meaty carcass and short wool.
- Temperament
- Gentle
- Best fit
- Small flocks, 4-H
- Docility
- 5 out of 5 (Very gentle)
- Hardiness
- 4 out of 5 (Hardy)
What to weigh
Southdowns can put on fat easily if overfed. They need annual shearing, and their fleece is short and less valued by spinners.