http://www.backwoodshome.com/articles/evangelista32.html (Buying Your First Sheep....without getting shorn) I've learned most of everything in hindsight, even though I thought I was well prepared with our first purchase. Diana
There are some excellent articles on Icelandic Sheep to be found at http://www.Mainesheepfarm.com and http://www.woolandfeathers.com which apply to other breeds as well. Prime Icelandic breeding stock goes for $400-1200 depending on the age, color, pattern, and sex of the animal, so making a mistake can be very costly. On the plus side, for that money, the animals have been thoroughly vetted and are in the Scrapie program.
<< Prime Icelandic breeding stock goes for $400-1200 depending on the age, color, pattern, and sex of the animal, so making a mistake can be very costly. >> Whew, that's expensive! I opted for hair sheep. No shear, no dock, parasite resistant-tolerant, hardy....easy care sheep. We wanted them, primarily, for home meat production and the option to sell, too. For more information on Barbados Blackbelly Sheep and Barbado(horned strain) folks can check out the BBSAI breeder list and the sale section. http://www.blackbellysheep.org/
I agree, purebred sheep can be eyepoppingly expensive on the first go 'round. Which is why the article "Flock on a Shoestring" (http://www.mainesheepfarm.com) was so helpful, and, of course, applies to any breed. I thoughy I wanted them for home meat production... but gosh, the ram that looks like a rump roast is a cute little guy and awfully friendly... sigh. T
WOW - I read the "Flock on a Shoestring" and someone investing in these Icelandic sheep has longer shoestrings than I do!!! $250.00 for a whether??? Thats $75.00 more than I paid for my pick of ewe lambs from the primo choice breeding stock available for California Red Sheep stock at Shear Perfection Ranch in New Mexico. Thats only $50.00 less than I paid for my foundation ram. I think I will advertise in the East next year.
It does apply to starting up w/registered stock in general, though. I started w/2 registered Shetland ewe lambs, bought a ram later, kept some daughters, sold 1st ram for another... Although I admit, Icelandics ARE one of the rather pricy breeds - there was a spotted ewe avail. locally, & I was tempted, but...too much $$$ for me! Here in southern CA, registered Shetlands go for $200-300, & Shetland wethers for $50-100.
