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Nestled
in the Champlain Valley Vermont sits the home to some of the
most gentle and beautiful of Shetland Sheep. The petite,
but hardy, Shetland Sheep has come from Scotland to reside on
our farm.
Our original flock
was purchased as "models" for our artist farm manager's
watercolors. But these "walking pillows" soon became
more fun than painting pictures.
About
Us
We started with
no knowledge about caring for sheep. With the help of
"sheep friends" and the breeders we purchased from, we have
matured into sheep people.
90%
of our fleeces were judged "premium" at Rhinebeck,
N.Y. at the 2004 show. All our fleece was judged
"premium" in 2006. Our yearling Ram, Christopher, took
"champion" in colored primitive bread fleece.
We have
emphasized developing soft colored fleeces and pet-temperament
personalities.
History
of the Shetland Sheep
Shetland Sheep
come from the Shetland Isles, which lie in the northern Atlantic
above mainland Scotland. This breed shares a heritage with
other Nordic Sheep. It is speculated that these sheep were
dispersed throughout northern Europe by the Vikings.
Shetland Sheep
are known for their extremely "fine" fleece. Their
fleece is so fine, that it is a wedding tradition in the
Isles to make a shawl for the bride which can be drawn through
a wedding ring. Shetland Sheep are the smallest of
domesticated sheep.
All of these animals
are known for their very hardy and thrifty constitutions.
Some Shetlands are known to subsist on seaweed. Both males and females
of these Nordic breeds can have horns. By and large though,
Shetland ewes are born "polled" (without horns). The tails of these Nordic breeds do not need to be "docked"
(cut off) as is customary with other types of sheep.
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babe
in a bucket
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The Shetland experienced
near extinction when the industrial revolution and synthetic
fibers decreased the need for all wools, and especially the
colored wools. The decline in the need for fine "natural"
wools resulted in a drastic fall-off in the Shetland's numbers. In Great Britain, several conservancies were established to
help in the Shetland Sheep's recovery.
In 1980, Colonel Dailley
of Canada joined in the effort to save this breed. He introduced the first
flock of Shetlands into North America.
Linda and Tut Doane,
of Randolph Vermont, spent five years getting the clearance for
the breed to be brought into the United States. In 1986 they
succeeded in crossing the border with 63 registered Shetlands.
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triplets
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Care
and Feeding
With all of us
involved with busy schedules, the Shetland's self-sufficiency
is very welcome. They can manage with little guidance,
but they thrive on attention. A real joy can be had with
these animals by just sitting and "being." They allow
for time to just sit with them and
leisurely "be" with your animals.
As mentioned, we learned as
we went. Our first five sheep survived our ignorance, much
as our children did.....not much the worse for the wear.
We did learn it's very important to buy from reputable breeders. A good
breeder is concerned that the new owner succeed in their endeavor.
Remember, these
sheep are not hot house roses. As previously mentioned, this
breed of sheep does not need a lot of specialized care. Just
like any pet, they need yearly shots and vet care. There are
vets in all localities that can come to your home for a very
reasonable fee.
As for shearing,
you can try your hand, or have a local shearer do the job. They also need their hooves trimmed once or twice a year.
As for housing, our
first sheep managed nicely in a 14' x 8' enclosure in our
barn. We erected a temporary electric net fence powered by
a portable charger. In time we put a more permanent fence
in place.
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the
infamous - IRIS
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The 3 foot net
fence probably would have sufficed, had not Iris been about.
Iris, admittedly has been the bane of our existence. She has
taught us many lessons, mostly those of patience. Fortunately,
for her she has some of the most beautiful of fleeces, and
gorgeous lambs. Firstly, Iris can scale anything up to approximately
5'5". When feeling trapped, all sheep will jump a great
deal higher than one might imagine. All sheep when approached
rapidly, will immediately assume everyone and anything will
be a hungry wolf looking
for a meal. But if approached in a slow and gentle manner
they will gladly not behave as though you are an axe murderer.
All our sheep are raised in "the natural method" - no
antibiotics in feed or GMO's. Our animals are primarily
on pasture, when able.
| We're
waiting for the stork. Delivery due in early May. |
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Many others available, including Boo Baby's
fawn fleece. Fleeces range from $18 - $26/lb. plus
shipping and 6% tax.
Roving generally runs $2/oz. plus shipping and 6% tax.
Many others
available.
Please remember,
we are always happy to answer any and all questions. We want
you to enjoy your sheep as much as we enjoy ours.
Prices:
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Fleeces |
$18 to $26/lb |
| Queen Size Batts tufted
in muslin |
$99 ea |
| Pelts |
$75 ea |
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6% VT tax and shipping
are additional |
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Please Note: We use strict precautions to ensure our animals are healthy
and free of disease. Sheep purchased from us are up to
date with all their medical care. If you have visited
other farms recently, please do not be offended when we
provide you with shoe covers. |
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Bloodline records and fleece samples are available on request.
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We will make deliveries
within 200 miles for a charge. We will assist you in making
arrangement for deliveries of greater distances.
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All fleeces, roving,
batts and pelts are shipped by the US Mail or UPS at an additional charge.
Look for us
in 2006 at:
Telephone
802-425-5570
Fax
802-425-3570
Postal Address
Bryn Meadow Farm
Atten: Elysabethe James, Manager
3960 Spear St.
Charlotte, VT 05445
email
BRYNMDOW@GMAVT.NET
For More Information:
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