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Our conservation flock of traditional
Soay Sheep came to Ford End, Essex
in the spring of 2010. They are
greatly loved and have given us
much pleasure watching them grazing
in the field.
Soay Sheep are classified as "vulnerable"
on the Rare Breed Survival Trust
"RBST" survival watch
list. They are a primitive breed
(Ovis aries) descended from a
population of feral sheep on the
250-acre island of Soay in the
St. Kilda Archipelago. Until 1932
pure-bred Soays were only found
on the island of Soay, then a
flock of 107 Soays were rounded
up and moved onto the main island
of Hirta.
Soay Sheep are much smaller than
modern commercial sheep, however,
they are hardier. Soay Sheep stand
approximately 50cm at the withers
an average mature Soay ewe weighs
approximately 25kg They are extraordinarily
agile, and unlike the more commercial
sheep they tend to scatter when
frightened, rather than flock.
Rams are two-horned and the horns
are strong rams are very majestic
looking. The ewes are either two-horned,
scurred or polled and have delicate
little faces.
Soay are excellent grazers, being
content on either a hillside,
in woodland or fields. Our Redes
Flock at Ford End Essex have the
benefit of great countryside surroundings
including bramble hedges, ditches
and three fields.
Their coloured fleeces - fawn
and cream, black and dark brown
are sought after by craft folk
and the texture of their fleece,
which is shed naturally, can vary,
from soft fine fibres to coarse.
The Soay have short tails and
naturally shed their wool in the
spring/early summer. The wool
quality is 44's to 50's, fleece
weight is 3 to 5 pounds (1.5-2.25
kg) and staple length is 5 to
15 cm.
Lambs are born after a gestation
of 151 days and is usually trouble
free; this is several days longer
than modern breeds, which also
mature faster. Most births take
place within a few weeks on either
side of 20 April. Lambs weigh
about 2kg at birth and are weaned
by July. The ewes can then spend
the rest of the summer regaining
condition before the rut in November.
Soay ewes normally bear singles
or twins and lambs are extremely
active within hours of birth.
Soay ewes are excellent mothers
and are fiercely protective of
their young.
If you are interested in the Redes
Flock of Soay Sheep we have for
sale, please contact
us and we will be delighted
to help - Soay Sheep for sale
from redescottagefarm in Essex.
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