Buyer question
How long do Southdown sheep live?
Our Animal Library gives the Southdown sheep a lifespan of 10–12 years.
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.
- Hardiness
- 4 out of 5 (Hardy)
- Origin
- Sussex, England
- Best fit
- Small flocks, 4-H
- Temperament
- Gentle
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.