To those who have participated here longer, what is the best avenue for us to let people know of our flock reduction? Have you had success with internet advertising of livestock? We will have several Shetland ewes, ages 1 to 4, of various colors available for sale in the next 3 weeks (before we get seriously into the fair). We weren't sure about advertising them to the general public. All of them are purebred, but not all are registered. (Shetlands are a small "primitive" breed, meaning they are hardy and good foragers, thriving on rough pasture and possessed of innate mothering and flock-protection instincts.) Each ewe has lambed this spring, most twinned, the only singles were to the yearlings. Colors: black, moorit(red-brown), oatmeal tan, white, and light brown. All have wonderful spinning fleeces and are in excellent health; we just have a limited amount of pasture (even less after the army worms) so must reduce numbers. There are also three promising ram lambs, two speckled gray-brown-white and one black. We just would like them to go to someone who has the same philosophy and values the heirloom breeds for their unique qualities. We welcome all suggestions and ideas, and visitors are always welcome here to see the sheep (and chickens, cows, goats, spinning wheels, looms, etc.) Thanks in advance to all, and have a great summer! The Taylors, Loom Hall Shetlands

-- Taylor (bptaylor@ccrtc.com), June 22, 2001

Answers

Hi Taylor.

Where are You located? That will help some of us interested in Shetlands. I'd also like to hear Your opinion of the breed in regards to any experiences with other breeds.

Thank You!

Randle

-- Randle Gay (rangay@hotmail.com), June 22, 2001.

I would also like to know where you are. I would like to have some shetlands. My daughter currently raises Jacob sheep for fair and wool. She keeps writing entry essays to win other primitive breed wool sheep but has not won any so far. I need to know prices also. Thanks, Joanie

-- Joanie (ber-gust@prodigy.net), June 22, 2001.

thanks to all who sent messages about the sheep. Will post an answer here to try to cover what was asked. Location: we are 25 miles southeast of Terre Haute, Indiana. About other breeds; we have raised Jacobs, horned Dorsets, and Romneys, but settled on Shetlands due to their hardiness, smaller size, color and quality of fleeces, and general overall appeal (you have to be a sheep person to get that one). They do seem to stay very healthy, with shearing in April and worming 3 times a year. Other requirements have been mineral and salt free choice, and they only get feed during gestation and a little in summer \,now and then, to help them learn to come when called. When I sheared myself, Shetlands were manageable, and my daughters and I can handle them alone if need be due to their size. If some of you have other questions, I will try to answer. On June 30, the Indiana Sustainable Earth Association will be having a field day at my neighbors' farm (grass-based dairy/cheesemakers) and part of the tour will be here to see free-range poultry and the sheep, so come on over. Directions will be posted as needed. Thanks for your interest. Peggy

-- Taylor (bptaylor@ccrtc.com), June 22, 2001.

Boy, would I LOVE help you and take a few! Alas, you are too far away for me (New Mexico). I raise white & colored Angora goats (all part of my 'family', too) & will someday add some colored Shetlands to blend their wool with the mohair. Good luck to you, I'm sure you'll have plenty of inquiries. (ps... now, if you know of someone were to be heading this way with a trailer, we should talk!) dh in nm

-- debra in nm (dhaden@nmtr.unm.edu), June 25, 2001.

Peggy, would you mind sending me some info about the tour on June 30th? Does the Indiana Sustainable Earth Association have a website? I did a search but didn't turn up anything. I'm living on the west side of Indianapolis at the moment, but hope to start homesteading in the next 2-3 years. Thanks.

PS Do you know of anyone in the Indy area who could teach me how to use a drop spindle? I've tried teaching myself out of a book, but I think I need to see it in person to figure it out.

-- Sherri C (CeltiaSkye@aol.com), June 25, 2001.